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At Cyth, we offer the necessary technology, expertise, & products to help you effectively create ATE, Embedded, Machine Vision, & Industrial Automation Systems Test & Measurement Automation, Embedded Control & Monitoring Cyth Systems is a specialized distributor and experienced system integrator, helping customers make informed decisions when selecting platforms, products, and components for automated test, factory automation, and embedded control systems. With hundreds of systems designed, and thousands deployed, our team offers our customers the products we use coupled with trusted guidance, from system selection and startup support to programming best practices, code architecture, and technical troubleshooting. Customers can lead their own development with confidence, backed by our scalable support model—ranging from purchasing advice, mentoring, partial co-development, through to full turnkey systems when needed. Our goal is to empower innovation through reliable systems, proven expertise, and practical engineering insight. After over 20 years of successfully helping customers as an NI Certified Integration Partner, Cyth was selected by NI as the ONLY Distributor and Integrator in the Americas. Explore Our Site: View our application areas See application success stories What we do for your industry Shop our products Learn more about Cyth ApplicAreas Application & Service Areas Automated Test Equipment Automated Test Equipment for Manufacturing Circuit Board Testing Measurement Automation Life Test & Reliability Equipment LEARN MORE Embedded Systems Industrial Control Systems Embedded Control Systems OEM Solutions & Volume Manufacturing Monitoring Systems LEARN MORE Machine Vision Area Scan & 2D Inspection 3D Inspection Machine Learning - NeuralVision LEARN MORE Industrial Automation Automated Assembly Product Treatment & Handling Verification and Measurement Motion and Robotics LEARN MORE Engineering Consulting Discuss your design requirements Evaluate feasibility for integration LabVIEW or TestStand Programming Service Detailed technical proposal Schedule time with an expert LEARN MORE Questions? Ask an Expert Consultation on systems and modules Custom integrated solutions Troubleshooting advice on software LEARN MORE SuccessStories Success Stories Systems developed with our platforms and technology Automated Test Machine Vision Industrial Automation Real-Time & Embedded Automated Battery QA Ensures Medical Device Reliability CompactRIO Enables Automated Circuit Board Testing PCBA Functional Test and Device Verificational Test Scaled with Cyth PCBACheck 1 2 3 4 Robotic Automation Triples Sample Preparation Throughput Circaflex & NI Single-Board RIO Power Syringe Lubrication Inspection Demo Machine Vision Solution Enables Steel Surface Defect Detection 1 2 3 4 CompactRIO Enables Automated Circuit Board Testing PCBA Functional Test and Device Verificational Test Scaled with Cyth PCBACheck Hyundai Improves Production Test Time using PXI, LabVIEW, and TestStand 1 2 3 4 sbRIO-Based Turbine Monitoring Enables Remote Support CompactRIO Enables Undergraduate Power Electronics Education Robotic Automation Triples Sample Preparation Throughput 1 2 3 4 5 Cyth is a critical supplier for us. They’re involved in the design, building, and supporting automation tools throughout our manufacturing. -J.N., Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturer Industries & Solutions Our hardware, software, and platforms meet your industry's unique needs, and have been universally successful in applications of all kinds. Energy & Power Energy Storage Power Monitoring Solar Energy Natural Gas Oilfield Operations Power Distribution VIEW SOLUTIONS Life Sciences Medical Devices Biotechnology Cell & Genetic Research Pharmaceutical Scientific Instruments Research & Simulation VIEW SOLUTIONS Product Manufacturing Consumer Electronics Consumer Products Food & Beverage Machinery & Equipment Scientific Instruments Sporting Goods VIEW SOLUTIONS Semiconductor Equipment Semiconductor Equipment & Tools Chip Manufacturers Factory Smart Machines VIEW SOLUTIONS Shop Automation & Test Products As an authorized National Instruments Distributor, we stock a number of the devices, components, and accessories that we have successfully used, in order to help you plan and build out your next automation or test project. Cyth provides top-of-the-line modular hardware, software, services, and components that establish the benchmark for automated test and measurement. Data & Acquisition Entry-Level DAQ Industrial Quality DAQ Desktop DAQ (PCI) Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Browse Products Embedded CompactRIO Rugged Controllers Single-Board Computers (SBC, sbRIO) System On Module (SOM) Browse Products PXI Platform Systems Entry-Level DAQ Industrial Quality DAQ Desktop DAQ (PCI) Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Browse Products Accessories HMIs and Touch Panels Cables Power Supplies Connectors Browse Products See All Products About Us Over two decades of providing trusted technology and expertise engineers need to succeed in their projects for Industrial Automation, Test & Measurement, and Control & Monitoring. Our consultants will work alongside your team to design the solution needed to meet your specifications. Through our proven process, our experience, and our passion for problem-solving we develop your solutions with reduced risk, cost, and an efficient schedule. Learn More About Cyth “Working with Cyth is refreshing. Status reports, budget updates, design meetings... they've perfected the way projects should be done.” -R.J., Senior Quality Engineer, Medical Device Manufacturer Technology Partners Cyth Systems provides the best-possible technology and integration services to our customers. We strategically align with the world’s top testing and technology companies. For more info on our partners, please contact us.

NI Training Courses LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Certification Program In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More

Cyth Systems is a Systems Integration Company specializing in Automated Test, Embedded Controls, and Machine Vision. MD&M West 2026 MD&M West 2026 is where medical device innovation happens. February 3-5 at the Anaheim Convention Center, it showcases the latest in device design, manufacturing automation, and materials technology. Read More Past Events Take a look at an archive of our past events to find materials, pictures, and publications... View Past Events Here Upcoming Cyth Systems Engineering Events

Cyth Systems brings you products and services in four key application areas of ATE, Embedded Control Systems, Machine Vision Systems, and Industrial Automation. Measuring Direct Current (DC) Voltage Guide | Cyth Systems Sensor Fundamentals Read More The Benefits of Automated PCBA Testing in Modern Manufacturing Automated Printed Circuit Board Testing Read More Measuring Sound Key Fundamentals Guide | Cyth Systems Sensor Fundamentals Read More Measuring Pressure Key Fundamentals Guide | Cyth Systems Sensor Fundamentals Read More How do you measure torque when designing a test system? Sensor Fundamentals Read More Why Choose NI Embedded Systems? Unmatched Performance, Flexibility, and Integration Read More Components of Automated Testing System for PCBA All the details you need to know to create a system for testing circuit boards Read More Implementing Automated Testing in Your PCBA Manufacturing Process Automated Printed Circuit Board Testing Read More Measuring Strain Key Fundamentals Guide | Cyth Systems Sensor Fundamentals Read More Measuring Load Key Sensor Fundamental Guide | Cyth Systems Sensor Fundamentals Read More What is Single-Board RIO (sbRIO)? Read More The Most Important Considerations of an Embedded System Design The NI RIO Platform solves each of these design challenges Read More

One of our core values at Cyth Systems is to create a long-lasting career where we get to follow our natural interests and passions every day. ​ Home > Company > Careers ENHANCING how the world brings products to LIFE One of our core values at Cyth Systems is to create a long-lasting career where we get to follow our natural interests and passions every day. Our projects provide such variety that you never stop exploring and growing. We work with talented people at many world-class companies in nearly every industry. We work on numerous projects that make a difference in everyday life . We delight in planning what we will build and then bringing equipment to life. We leave work with the rewards of one successful project after another. And much more... Join our team At Cyth, no two days and no two projects are the same. It's that variety of engineering challenges, plus the chance to work with amazing people and world class companies in practically every industry that gets me excited every day for over 20 years. - Joe Spinozzi, CEO Cyth Sytems, Inc. Career Opportunities in USA Sales Development Engineer San Diego, CA, USA January 1st, 2026 View Job Technical Field Sales Engineer 9939 Via Pasar, San Diego, CA, USA January 1st, 2026 View Job Project Engineer 9939 Via Pasar, San Diego, CA, USA January 1st, 2026 View Job Senior LabVIEW Engineer 9939 Via Pasar, San Diego, CA, USA January 1st, 2026 View Job Join our team

Data Acquisition Products Download DAQ, Industrial PXI Download DAQ, PXI, Simultaneous DAQ, PXI, High Performance DAQ, PXI, Value DAQ, Desktop PCI DAQ, USB Download DAQ, USB, Multifunction DAQ, USB, High Speed Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Family Download Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Chassis Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Controller Real-Time & Embedded CompactRIO (cRIO) Family CompactRIO (cRIO) Chassis CompactRIO (cRIO) Modules Download Single-Board RIO Download sbRIO Main Boards sbRIO I/O Modules sbRIO Accessories Download PXI Platform Download PXI Chassis PXI Controllers PXI Modules Download PXI Data Aqcuisition Download PXI, DAQ, Simultaneous PXI, DAQ, High Performance PXI, DAQ, Value PXI Oscilloscopes PXI Digital Multimeters Industrial Instrumentation Download Digital Multimeters (DMM's) Download PXI Digital Multimeters Oscilloscopes & Digitizers Download Oscilloscopes, USB Oscilloscopes, PXI Oscilloscopes, Desktop PCI Oscilloscope Accessories Digitizer, PXI, High Performance Digitizer, PXI, Value Not yet used

Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) The Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) exam verifies the user’s ability to design and develop functional programs while minimizing development time and ensuring maintainability through proper documentation and style. Certified Developers can provide technical leadership to less experienced engineers, helping ensure their team is following best practices and becoming more competent and efficient LabVIEW programmers. 1 Review the Requirements 2 Prepare for the Exam 3 Schedule an Exam 4 Share your Success 5 Recertify Review the Requirements Step 1. The Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) verifies your a ability to create functional, well-documented LabVIEW code with minimal development. This certification is valid for 3 years and recertification is required to maintain credentials. Benefits include the use of the professional certification badge logo and related digital credentials. NI recommends that you have 12 to 18 months of experience in developing medium to large applications in LabVIEW. Completing the LabVIEW Core 1 , LabVIEW Core 2 and LabVIEW Core 3 courses may substitute for three months of LabVIEW development experience. Exam Details Prerequisite: None Format: Application Development Duration: 4 hours Location: Online Prepare for the Exam Step 2. Preparing for Your Exam CTA Exam Topics TestStand Advanced Architecture Series Step 3. Schedule the Exam Once you have completed your exam preparation and have met all prerequisite requirements, you are ready to schedule your exam. For in-person exam registration, please email us at solutions@cyth.com Share your success Step 4. 1. When you complete the CLD exam, your exam will be graded by engineers at NI. 2. You will be advised if you passed or failed. -If you passed you will receive a notification email with your digital credential. -If you have not received your notification email within 3 days of receiving the notification that you passed the assessment, email services@ni.com 3. To share your badge, please follow these instructions: a. Log into your account at Credly b. Click on the profile icon at the top right-hand corner of the page and go to “Badge Management” c. Click on the badge you are looking to share d. Scroll down and click “Share” e. You will be brought to the “Share Badge” screen where you can find different tabs directing you to connect your social media accounts and share your badge1. Recertify Step 5. Certified professionals can recertify using one of two methods: -Recertification exam -Recertification by points. Recertification Interval -4 Years Recertification Exam Details Format: Multiple Choice Duration: 1 hour Location: Online Prepare: CLD-R Exam Preparation Resources Recertification by Points -By participating and completing approved activities, certified professionals can earn and accumulate points redeemable toward recertification. For information on recertifying with points. Enroll

Functional testing involves applying operational power to a PCBA to ensure it performs its designated functions. This type requires custom-built test equipment. PCBACheck™ Printed Circuit Board Assembly Test Fixture Industrial Reference Design Our AUTOMATED Printed Circuit Board Assembly Test Fixture Equipment Reference Design is 90% Standardized and 10% Custom. Home > Services > Automated Test Systems > PCBACheck PCBA Functional Test Solution Businesses depend on Cyth Systems' expertise in functional test fixtures. Functional testing involves applying full operational power to a printed circuit board (PCBA) to ensure it performs its designated functions. This type of test often requires custom-built test equipment and fixtures. Cyth Systems provides support for all types of functional test strategies. Starter PXI Instruments Customize PXI Devices as Needed Pre-Designed Bed-of-Nails Customize Probes Locations Pre-Designed Interposer Board Customize Probes & Other Circuitry Software Environment Customize Sequences & Measurement Instruments Drivers Customize Measurements Top Our Printed Circuit Board Assembly Testing Solution. Bed-of-Nails Functional Tester Preconfigured Database Preconfigured PXI System Budget & Schedule Preconfigured Test Cart Preconfigured Reports Automate complex tasks faster Speak to Engineer Perform complex and rapid tasks and measurements that are impossible for human manual tests. Test multiple boards simultaneously, even share time-expensive equipment. Conduct Stress or Life Testing of boards by repeating tests hundreds or thousands of times. Bed-of-Nails Functional Tester PCBA Bed of Nails Functional Tester Predesigned fixture ready for custom modifications for any board: Customize width & depth Customize Pin Placement Customize front and rear panel Customize Interposer Board Speak to Engineer Preconfigured PXI System Preconfigured PXI System Standard PXI Modules suits 90% of applications needs as-is: Power Supply Oscilloscope Digital Multimeter Configurable Switch Matrix Add additional modules, signals, and inputs as needed to expand your application. Speak to Engineer Preconfigured Test Cart Preconfigured Test Cart Standardized Test Cart serves most applications as-is without modification! Internal Rack Mounting Customizable worksurface Bar Code Scanner or Badge Reader Power Systems included Customization not required, but... fully customizable if necessary Speak to Engineer Preconfigured Database Preconfigured Database Standardized database Schema serves 90% of most applications as-is without modification: Speak to Engineer Store any test results, pass fail results Store images, waveforms, raw data Customization not required, but... Fully customizable if necessary Preconfigured Reports Preconfigured Reports Preconfigured Reports suits most applications as-is with CUSTOMIZATION INCLUDED Most common report fields already setup Fully customizable graphics and layout Fully customize graphs, tables, images Export to PDF already included Premade Excel or Word Templates you can customize and modify Speak to Engineer Budget & Schedule Budget & Schedule Preconfigured Budget for all included features: Most projects within 10% of standard budget and schedule Automatically adjusts for project size and features Budget INCLUDES customizations Speak to Engineer We know the ins and outs of PCB's Power supply voltage levels (VCC, VDD, etc.). Clock signals (system clock, peripheral clocks). Analog input signals (e.g., sensor inputs). Digital control signals (e.g., reset, enable signals). Serial communication inputs (UART, SPI, I2C). External trigger inputs. User interface inputs (buttons, switches). PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals. Temperature sensor inputs. Voltage reference inputs. Digital output signals (data lines, control lines). Analog input signals (ADC inputs). Analog output signals (DAC outputs). LED indicators. Display outputs (LCD, OLED, LED display segments). Relay control outputs. Voltage regulator outputs. Power-on indicator outputs. Current sense inputs/outputs. Power-up sequence testing. Power-down sequence testing. Voltage tolerance testing. Clock frequency and accuracy testing. Data integrity testing (checksum, CRC). Communication protocol testing (UART, SPI, I2C). Uploading Firmware or other files. Overvoltage protection testing. Undervoltage lockout testing. Logic functionality testing (gate-level/functional logic). Memory read/write testing (RAM, Flash). Sensor calibration and accuracy testing. ADC/DAC functionality and accuracy testing. Motor control functionality testing. Audio output quality testing. Display content and pixel testing. Communication protocol testing. Button/switch functionality testing. Temperature sensor accuracy testing. All these I/O's and much more. Speak to Engineer Prototype Form Why Cyth? Cyth Systems has over two decades of providing the technology and expertise you need to be successful on Automation, Measurement, and Controls projects. Our engineers will work alongside your team to design the system to meet your specifications. We develop your solutions with reduced risk, cost, and schedule. Need PCBA testing help or advice? First Name Last Name Email How can we help? [attributer-channel] [attributer-channeldrilldown1] [attributer-channeldrilldown2] [attributer-channeldrilldown3] [attributer-landingpage] [attributer-landingpagegroup] Let's talk PCBA Solutions Menu

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Project Case Study CompactRIO Enables Automated Circuit Board Testing Oct 17, 2025 e35e213b-8787-451b-9096-2a1297c000ea e35e213b-8787-451b-9096-2a1297c000ea Home > Case Studies > Bed of Nails test Fixture used to test embedded control circuit boards. Project Summary Cyth Systems automated testing of CircaFlex embedded control circuit boards with custom bed-of-nails fixture using NI CompactRIO, LabVIEW and TestStand in 12 weeks. System Features & Components Custom bed-of-nails mechanical fixture with pneumatic actuation for reliable probe contact with circuit board test points NI CompactRIO platform with multifunction I/O, voltage output, and universal analog input modules LabVIEW-programmed tests orchestrated by NI TestStand to test hundreds of individual components and functional tests in minutes Automated test reporting and storage of all measurement data and pass/fail status for quality validation Outcomes PCBA validation in minutes, greatly improving test throughput T esting execution time reduced due to integration of mechanical, pneumatic, and data acquisition system onto a unified technology stack Test system development from proof of concept to production-ready unit delivered within 12 weeks Technology at-a-glance Hardware NI CompactRIO real-time control system NI C Series Modules NI-9381 multifunction I/O module (8 AI, 4 AO, 4 DIO, 0-5V) NI-9264 voltage output modules, 25 kS/s/ch, ±10V, 16-channel (qty 2) NI-9219 universal analog input module, 100 S/s/ch, 4-channel Custom bed-of-nails fixture Pneumatic actuation system Embedded PC Software NI LabVIEW NI TestStand Functional Circuit Testing Circuit boards serve as the center of processing and control in most consumer electronic devices, from smartphones to home appliances. These printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) boards require rigorous testing to validate quality and function before distribution to consumers. Learn about Cyth CircaFlex Cyth designs and builds systems for the test of PCBAs, so when they found themselves needing to test the PCBAs that their PCBA manufacturer builds per Cyth specifications. They decided to design and build a test system on their PCBACheck reference architecture. They needed a system that could perform comprehensive electrical measurements, validate individual component function, and sequence hundreds of tests rapidly while maintaining repeatability across production runs. Mechanical & Data Acquisition Requirements The mechanical design of the clamshell bed-of-nails included: Custom pin layouts to interface with specific circuit board contact points Pneumatic actuation for reliable probe contact Sophisticated test sequencing capabilities Without automated testing infrastructure, validating each board's functionality would create production bottlenecks and inconsistent quality control. Cyth Systems designed and built a bed-of-nails test fixture using NI CompactRIO data acquisition hardware and LabVIEW software for test sequencing and data acquisition. Mechanical Fixture Design Custom-fabricated bed-of-nails fixture with pneumatic hood actuation for probe engagement Spring-loaded electrical probes with unique board layout for contact with circuit board test points when hood lowers into place Pneumatic control push buttons mounted externally for operator system override Data Acquisition & Control Component Model Specifications Function Data Acquisition Backplane NI CompactRIO Multi-slot chassis, Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) I/O integration and connectivity for measurement and control Multifunction I/O NI-9381 8 AI, 4 AO, 4 DIO, 0-5V Analog and digital I/O Voltage Output NI-9264 (qty 2) 25 kS/s/ch, ±10V, 16 channels Simultaneous sampling for functional testing Analog Input NI-9219 100 S/s/ch, 4 channels Universal analog input for measurements Comprehensive Functional Testing Test Sequencing & Programming LabVIEW software controls test execution and sequences hundreds of individual tests Test sequences run with TestStand software to validate board functionality Automatic generation of test reports to document all measurement data and pass/fail status Test Process Operator places circuit board in fixture Operator actuates control button to pneumatically lower hood, creating contact between electrical probes of fixture and the contact points on the PCBA Automated test sequences executed with measurement data acquired by cRIO system Comprehensive report generated and stored upon test completion Hood releases pneumatically and operator removes tested board Left: A bed of nails test fixture is used to test Cyth’s Circaflex circuit boards. Right: The NI CompactRIO enables the fixture’s data acquisition. Cyth’s PCBACheck reference architecture accelerated the development of a comprehensive functional circuit test (FCT) solution for CircaFlex hardware. The final solution accommodated varied capabilities throughout the technology stack: Custom bed-of-nails fixture tailored to board geometry and functionality NI CompactRIO and C Series modules for all control, measurement and sensor requirements Cyth PCBACheck reference architecture software built on: LabVIEW low-level programming of complex measurement, control and data acquisition TestStand sequencing of tests programs, report generation and pass/fail reporting on HMI This approach enabled comprehensive electrical characterization, including operational power testing to validate device performance across varied functionality. Sustainable Test Design Cyth developed the complete fixture from proof of concept to finished product in 12 weeks, integrating mechanical design, pneumatic actuation, data acquisition hardware, and test software into a production-ready system. The system performs functional circuit testing in minutes, reducing test cycle time and overall cost compared to manual validation methods. Cyth expects their CircaFlex test solution to As a robustly architected and flexible test solution, it is expected to ensure CiraFlex product quality and function well into the future. Let's Talk

Project Case Study Hardware-Timed Automation Accelerates Gas Meter Testing Aug 26, 2025 ebb19eb2-e31a-46d6-adbf-ae7a268be0ae ebb19eb2-e31a-46d6-adbf-ae7a268be0ae Home > Case Studies > Industrial gas meter manufacturer improved product quality and validated accuracy by incorporating NI CompactRIO into end-of-line piston prover test. Cyth Engineer with high-precision calibration & prover system Project Summary Industrial gas meter manufacturer automated their end-of-line piston prover testing with an NI CompactRIO solution that improved quality control processes and validated product accuracy to meet the United States’ units and measures standards. System Features & Components cRIO instrumentation incorporated 80+ sensor inputs/outputs for handling comprehensive flow, valve control, temperature, pressure, and humidity measurements Custom closed-loop PID algorithm for precise piston control, integrated safety control loops, and pressure release valves for safe operation at high pressures Positioning system achieved accurate measurements, with nanometer-level precision, using linear encoder and laser detection technologies calibrated with standard gauge blocks Outcomes Achieved the nanometer-levels of precision and accuracy required for fiscal gas meter calibration and validation by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Office of Weights and Measurs (OWM) Enabled continuous, automated testing through implementation of the cRIO system that simultaneously manages both the control of actuating hardware and the measurement of necessary sensors Successfully deployed system within project timeline constraints despite equipment access limitations making remote development necessary Technology at-a-glance NI cRIO-9074 NI C Series Modules NI 9425 industrial digital input module NI 9477 industrial digital output module NI 9208 current input module (flow, temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors) NI 9217 analog input module NI 9401 5VTTL digital input and output module NI 9263 analog output module NI LabVIEW Real-Time & LabVIEW FPGA Modbus and Ethernet/IP industrial communication protocols Custom PID control algorithms Safety and Compliance in Fiscal Custody Transfer In the natural gas industry, accuracy is not just important, it’s legally mandated. Industrial natural gas meters are fiscal custody transfer devices, the critical measurement point where customers are charged for their energy consumption, making measurement precision a requirement for protecting the interests of consumers and providers. These measurement devices must meet stringent accuracy standards set by the Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The accuracy of these meters directly impacts: Consumer trust and fairness – ensuring customers pay only for what they actually consume Regulatory compliance – meeting strict standards set by government agencies Economic stability – supporting fair trade within the multi-billion dollar energy market Safety and reliability – maintaining proper pressure and flow monitoring in gas distribution systems Every industrial gas meter must be rigorously tested and calibrated before deployment and must also be re-certified annually to maintain accuracy. This calibration process relies on specialized piece of equipment, a natural gas prover. Provers are reference standards capable of generating known, precise volumes of gas to enable the verification of a meter’s readings. Modernizing Legacy Equipment A leading manufacturer of industrial natural gas meters was at an inflection point - their competitive position could change due to the age of their existing piston prover design. As an exclusively analog system, it could no longer meet the demands of modern infrastructure expansion and industrial customer needs. They were experiencing several pain points that were becoming increasingly problematic: Quality Control Bottlenecks: Slow, inconsistent manual testing processes created production delays and strained customer relationships. Each gas meter required extensive manual intervention during testing, making it difficult to scale production to meet growing customer demand. Accuracy Concerns: With analog controls, achieving repeatable, precise measurements was challenging. The lack of digital precision meant potential variations in test results, which could lead to meters being incorrectly certified or requiring costly retesting. Compliance Pressure: US Units and Measures boards maintain strict accuracy standar ds for fiscal measurement devices. Any uncertainty in their calibration process could result in regulatory issues, customer complaints, or even legal liability if meters proved inaccurate in the field. Competitive Disadvantage: Other manufacturers were modernizing their testing capabilities, offering faster delivery times and more rigorous quality assurance. The company needed to modernize or risk losing market share to competitors with more advanced testing systems. Fully-Automated Testing The manufacturer's primary goal was transforming their analog piston prover into a state-of-the-art, automated testing system capable of handling the most demanding accuracy requirements while improving production throughput and quality consistency. They needed a fully automated, gas meter testing solution that could achieve nanometer-level precision in control and measurement, handling over 80 different sensor inputs and outputs, all while maintaining the safety standards required for high-pressure gas testing operations. The greatest engineering challenges for their team were: Dual-System Architecture: The modernized prover needed two separate but coordinated subsystems—one to control the mechanical operations and another for automated testing and measurement tracking. These systems had to communicate seamlessly to coordinate the entire test process. Precision Requirements: The system needed to meet the exacting accuracy standards required by regulatory bodies, with the ability to calculate air volume versus meter readings within tolerances that would satisfy US Units and Measures board requirements. Multi-Rate Testing: The prover had to test meters at three different flow rates, determined by precise piston head acceleration and speed control, requiring sophisticated motion control capabilities. Understanding the Physical System The main chamber of the piston prover was a cylindrical drum body measuring 6 feet in diameter and 20 feet in height. A piston pushed air out of the drum body and into the meter via an outflow valve and pipe system. The piston’s movement had to be precisely controlled to calculate the exact amount of air pushed out of the body. The calibration and certification process for a natural gas meter compares the calculated air volume pushed through the system with the measurement of the gas meter to determine its accuracy. Sufficiently accurate meters are rated as ready for market deployment; inaccurate meters would undergo further calibration to ensure they would be deployment-ready. The prover system’s repeatability and accuracy were critical, as each validated meter required annual re-certification to maintain their functional accuracy certifications. Complex Remote Development The gas meter manufacturer chose to enlist the help of Cyth Systems to tackle their technical challenges because of our expertise developing precision control systems and capability to develop complex automation solutions remotely. Cyth’s engineering team selected the NI CompactRIO (cRIO) platform to fulfill the system’s control and automation requirements. A couple of key features of the cRIO influenced this decision: Real-time performance: The programmability of the NI Linux Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and FPGA, using LabVIEW Real-Time and LabVIEW FPGA, enabled the implementation of hardware-timed programming loops to run at 25-nanosecond intervals. These tight timing tolerances were necessary for meeting the system’s safety relay requirements. Comprehensive I/O coverage: The system had a high channel count and a large mix of I/O and sensor types including flow, valve control, temperature, pressure and humidity sensor readings. The compatibility of the cRIO platform with NI’s C Series modules enabled the rapid and reliable integration of all the I/O required. despite the high channel count and high mix of I/O. Automated measurement system handling 80+ sensor inputs and outputs Cyth designed a precision control system with advanced closed-loop PID algorithms programmed in LabVIEW Real-Time and FPGA modules. The system continuously monitored piston speed and pressure feedback to enable precise acceleration and deceleration control across three different flow rates, ensuring reliable operation over thousands of measurement cycles. Advanced motion control: Custom closed-loop PID algorithms managed piston acceleration and deceleration with continuous speed and pressure feedback adjustments throughout the testing process. Nanometer-precision positioning: Linear encoders combined with laser detection systems and metrology standard gauge blocks ensured absolute accuracy in piston positioning for fiscal meter calibration. Flexible multi-rate testing: System operated reliably across the full range of loads and flow rates required for comprehensive meter validation. The piston prover’s two separate systems: control and automated test. Implementing Comprehensive Safety Systems Considering that pressure inside the prover could reach over 200 PSI, operational safety was critical for this system. Cyth's development team implemented two distinct safety loops that continuously monitored all critical parameters, including pressure levels, piston position, and system status to provide multiple, redundant protection mechanisms. Automatic Safety Override: An independent, dedicated safety control loop was implemented to instantaneously override the system if any unsafe conditions were detected. Emergency Stop: A comprehensive emergency stop sequence, including a pressure release valve and a hard stop for the motor driving the piston, was incorporated to enable operators to immediately halt testing in case of emergency. Piston prover control system. Overcoming development obstacles The project's most significant challenge was developing and testing the prover's control systems remotely, since the massive equipment located in Texas was too large and cost-prohibitive to ship to Cyth's San Diego facility. Cyth overcame this challenge by developing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation and conducting rigorous factory testing to enable rapid deployment within the customer's two-day integration window. Hardware-in-the-loop simulation: HIL model developed on NI cRIO-9074 enabled comprehensive testing of piston controls and sensor validation through physical transducer actuation without access to actual equipment. Rigorous pre-deployment testing: System pre-assembly and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) performed in San Diego to ensure all components were verified and ready for immediate integration at the gas meter manufacturer's facility. Rapid site deployment: Full system integration and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) performed within the customer's maximum two-day downtime window The piston prover control systems during installation. Operational Excellence Through Test Modernization The comprehensive two-part control and automated testing system upgrade enabled the industrial gas meter manufacturer to successfully modernize their end-of-line testing capabilities. Their quality control processes were dramatically improved while expanding their testing capabilities and streamlining regulatory compliance processes. Precision Achievement: The deployed system achieved the nanometer precision accuracy required by the piston prover's air delivery system, meetin g all US Units and Measures board standards for fiscal custody transfer applications. Operational Excellence: Since deployment, the system has been running consistently and reliably, helping the customer validate their industrial natural gas meters for both consumer and provider applications. The automated nature of the system has improved testing throughput while maintaining the high accuracy standards required for regulatory compliance. Platform Advantages: The NI CompactRIO hardware platform met all high-speed communication requirements while managing over 80 sensor inputs and outputs through LabVIEW programming. The platform's modularity and programming flexibility were critical to the system's development success and ongoing maintainability. Let's talk

As NI’s only Authorized Distributor and Certified Integration Partner, we have dedicated resources working to deliver new and exclusive benefits for academia! NI DISTRIBUTION Academic Sales & Support Home > Industry > Academic Your PARTNER for Academic INNOVATION At Cyth Systems, we are dedicated to the next generation of engineers who will build our future factories and products. As a result, we are excited to announce dedicated resources to support educators and students! Technical Pre-Sales Support Exclusive Discounts on LabVIEW & NI Products Technical / Post-Sales Support Free Training and Certifications Student Services packages, tours, and career connections New for 2025: Sign up for Cyth's "LabVIEW Renew" Package! LabVIEW License pricing and discounts only available from Cyth Systems! Usage and bundle discounts, free Technical Support, Certifications, career connections, and student perks! Renewing your licenses later in the year? Register now to reserve your package! Register Now Unparalleled Support for PROFESSORS, STUDENTS, and RESEARCHERS. LabVIEW Training & Curriculum Introductory Training Material Official LabVIEW NI Training Optional Loaner or Keeper Hardware Self-Paced Exercises and Challenges Surprise Gift upon completion Coming Soon! Academic Research Pre-Sales Platform Advice Component Selection Advice Startup Assistance (Code and Wiring) Code Review & Architecture Advice Custom Request & Solutions Student Projects and Competitions Easy-to-use professional maker kits Project Starter Advice Manufacturing & Engineering Jobs Connections Code Support & Auditing LabVIEW / NI Curriculum Packages Exclusive Pricing for HW & Licensing Technical Support Technical Support Startup Assistance with HW Purchase Code Review & Architecture Advice Custom Request & Solutions Student & Career Services Internship Opportunities Virtual Factory & Project Tours Resume & Career Advice Manufacturing & Engineering Jobs Connections Industry-leading HARDWARE and SOFTWARE in the hands of STUDENTS and PROFESSORS Entry-Level Data-Acquisition Inexpensive yet capable devices devices for taking measurements and doing simple control tasks. Industrial & Research Grade Measurement & Automation Solutions Specially crafted packages depending on your mixed use of LabVIEW. Bundle discounts for software with hardware. Real-Time Embedded Control Systems Specially crafted packages depending on your mixed use of LabVIEW. Bundle discounts for software with hardware. Specially crafted packages depending on your mixed use of LabVIEW. Bundle discounts for software with hardware. LabVIEW Startup Assistance and Grant Program for SPINOFF and INCUBATORS We recognize the differences in your specific industry segments, and we have delivered products and services to all segments of the Semiconductor Industry. Get the right tool for the job Special Offer Our Online Shop - Renew License or Select Hardware Do you already know what NI Products you need? Submit your PO below and our NI Distribution Operations team will take care of the rest for you. Submit an Order Know your products and need a quote? Upload a file, or list your products to get accurate price and lead time information. Request a Quote The only distributor selling NI products at list price. See our selection of in-stock NI products at the link below. Shop Online Product Support NI Product Selection Assistance. Talk to a NI Products expert for technical specifications, life cycle status, and system configuration. ACADEMIC Projects using LabVIEW and NI Platform For years sudents, professors, lab managers, and researhcers have used LabVIEW and the For years sudents, professors, lab managers, and researhcers have used LabVIEW and the For years sudents, professors, lab managers, and researhcers have used LabVIEW and the For years sudents, professors, lab managers, and researhcers have used LabVIEW and the For years s Building An Electron Scanning Microscope to Streamline Semiconductor Manufacturing Arbitrary AWG for Next-Generation Semiconductor Manufacturing

Project Case Study Creating a Caterpillar System Integration Test Bench Mar 26, 2024 df2e4a42-f77d-4960-bdb0-04ff3b8f3cea df2e4a42-f77d-4960-bdb0-04ff3b8f3cea Home > Case Studies > *As Featured on NI.com Original Authors: Chris Thoroughgood, Austin Consultants Edited by Cyth Systems Austin Consultants develope a test system for Caterpillar Engine Control Units (ECUs). The Challenge Developing a deterministic, easy-to-use, automatable, and easily maintained platform for open- and closed-loop testing on multiple linked electronic control modules (ECMs) and electronic control units (ECUs), that can also be configured to support a number of different product lines. The Solution Creating a generic hardware platform for the customer to perform ECM/ECU integration testing and a software solution that allows a highly configurable setup and automated configuration to suit multiple product lines and variants. Introduction The Caterpillar Advanced Components and Systems Division handle full system integration testing for many of Caterpillar’s popular product lines. This system integration activity involves linking up multiple ECUs and ECMs, alongside real displays, technician tools, and other connected systems that form part of the internal infrastructure of a vehicle. As the vehicles themselves get more and more complex, the full system tests become more time consuming and a manual approach becomes less viable due to reliance on human resources and differences in how these tests are performed (timing and interpretation). The previous testing process was very manual as many of the tests involved setting an indicator and looking for a result either on a separate CAN tool or perhaps on a display. Austin Consultants took a Windows-based system with custom conditioning electronics (developed by Caterpillar) and migrated it to a custom full-featured, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platform. The platform runs a real-time OS and real-time testing engine. It features simulated instrumentation, custom FPGA signals, deterministic I/O, and is driven by a highly configurable system setup and user-definable interface. Key Business Benefits A new standardized HIL test bench that Caterpillar can deploy across multiple departments Standard software interface for automation and custom plug-ins Easy-to-use intuitive interface that reduces the requirement for in-house training Reuse of customer’s bespoke PCBs to reduce development and build costs Simplified maintenance by: Consolidated power supply and distribution eliminate multiple, distributed mains AC connections Swapping fuses previously used for mini circuit breakers (MCBs), all quickly accessible from a removable panel Repackaging PCBs into dedicated rack mount enclosures for a plug-and-play system Pull out fault insertion unit (FIU) drawers for product-specific customization by the customer Increased safety thanks to a new safety relay and emergency stop button Left: Front of Main Rack (ECU/ECM connections at top) , Right: Side of Main Rack (DC power and signal distribution) Our Approach We worked alongside the Caterpillar team to create a real-time hardware platform based on a PXI real-time controller. In addition, Caterpillar designed conditioning electronics (to bring signal levels to a suitable format) to directly interface with the ECUs/ECMs and a custom-built hardware platform. Our hardware design involved a review of the existing Caterpillar hardware and understanding the day-to-day challenges that the operators faced, such as maintenance and servicing. The result was a double 24u floor standing rack. On one side was all the NI hardware and the signal conditioning PCBs/modules developed by the customer, including all power supplies and safety circuits. We focused on making these aspects easily maintainable with the following features: §Using pull-out slides/trays for faster access to components §Relocating interface connectors on the customer’s signal conditioning modules to allow quicker replacement §Swapping fuses to MCBs and making these easily accessible by having them all behind an easily removable panel §Removing all switch-mode PSUs from the signal conditioning modules and creating a low-voltage distribution around the system, which not only increased safety but also reduced electrical noise §Integrating a safety system within the enclosure that interfaces with the customer’s existing safety systems §Keeping all wiring and cabling within the rack when possible, which resulted in a much clearer finish We dedicated the second rack to FIUs. In this rack, we supplied and fitted an FIU controller and the rest of the rack allowed for the customer to fit in product-specific FIUs and load trays. This makes the system very versatile and means that one asset can be used to test a wide range of products. From a hardware point of view, this project was largely a refresh and repackage of existing Caterpillar systems. We added value with the software aspects of the rig. By fitting a PXI real-time controller and using our extensive knowledge of VeriStand, we could offer a real-time test (HIL) engine to give the customer a very flexible solution. We provided the hardware and software expertise to integrate this into a solution for the customer. Our Solution By exploiting the power of VeriStand and embedded real-time hardware, we delivered a system with many benefits. The system has deterministic communications and simulated behavior. It also has the flexibility of using deterministic targetable FPGAs for customizable measurements synchronized with the primary control-loop rate. This gives the customer great flexibility and the capability to meet more complex design requirements in the future, such as missing tooth cam/crank signals. We took advantage of the VeriStand framework to concentrate on customer-specific components, such as the integration of hardware and other interfaces not supported off the shelf, as well as custom devices to talk to the ECM/ECUs via CAN bus. The benefits of using VeriStand and some of the reasons behind its utilization in this project include: Configurability: As we introduce new variants, the user can just update the configuration with ease (or programmatically from Excel using Austin’s automation code). Standard interfacing: VeriStand includes plug-ins (custom devices) for standard interfaces such as NI switching hardware or Lambda low-noise power supplies. Ease of FPGA integration: This gives direct access to FPGA variables from within the VeriStand configuration tool. Comes with a built-in test framework: The Stimulus Profile Editor (part of VeriStand) allows automated testing and pushes results to an automatic test mark-up language (ATML) report file out of the box. VeriStand runs a real-time engine on the PXI real-time devices allowing deterministic testing, stimulation, and logging. Dynamic user interface: The client can build extra features on the fly whilst running (such as adding in extra graphs or more controls for different variants). This also allows the client to add to the UI without any programming experience (drag and drop controls). We have also provided custom functionality to translate Excel-based configuration files to specific system configurations, allowing easy selection of multiple types of products, which then configures the system to test on the same hardware platform. This configuration-based approach helps the customer to easily extend the capability of the equipment on their own. Caterpillar can run automated testing in a much more controlled manner and with much less operator input because of the built-in stimulus profile and real-time sequence editors, along with custom additions and training. The hardware platform worked with Caterpillar to realize (on top of NI equipment): FIU/FIU with load/frequency generation/PWM generation (optical isolation) CAN. Use different harnesses rather than complete matrix channel switching. We have a vast knowledge of HIL test applications. Caterpillar extensively uses HIL testing throughout its business. The company approached us to help migrate an existing HIL test bench into a standardized platform that can be expanded to support current and future ECU products. Caterpillar’s Advanced Technologies and Solutions team is responsible for the electronic systems on a wide range of Caterpillar products. Integration verification involves testing the entire electronic control system for a particular product as a system. We designed this bench specifically for the material handler product, but we want the hardware to be generic enough to be replicated and used for other product lines with simple reconfiguration. Original Authors: Chris Thoroughgood, Austin Consultants Edited by Cyth Systems Talk to an Expert Cyth Engineer to learn more

This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course Start Date | End Date Duration ENROLL < Back NI Course Overview The LabVIEW Core 2 Course is an extension of the LabVIEW Core 1 Course. This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Topics covered include programmatically respond to user interface events, implementing parallel loops, manage configuration settings in configuration files, develop an error handling strategy for your application, and tools to create executables and installers. The LabVIEW Core 2 Course directly links LabVIEW functionality to your application needs and provides a jump-start for application development. NI Course Objectives Implement multiple parallel loops and transfer data between the loops Create an application that responds to user interface events Manage configuration settings for your application Develop an error handling strategy for your application Package and distribute LV code for reuse Identify Best Programming Practices for use in LabVIEW NI Course Details Duration: Instructor-led Classroom: Two (2) days Instructor-led Virtual: Three (3) days, five-and-a-half-hour sessions On-Demand: 4 hours (exercises as a supplement) Audience: New users and users preparing to develop applications using LabVIEW LabVIEW Core 1 Course attendees Users and technical managers evaluating LabVIEW in purchasing decisions Users pursuing the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer certification Prerequisites: LabVIEW Core 1 Course or equivalent experience NI Products Used: If you take the course On-Demand: LabVIEW 2021 NI-DAQmx 21.0 NI PCI-6221 or NI USB-6212, BNC-2120 Simulated NI-PCI-6221 If you take the course in an instructor-led format: LabVIEW Professional Development System 2023 or later NI-DAQmx 23.0 or later USB-6212 BNC-2120 Training Materials: Virtual instructor-led training includes digital course material that is delivered through the NI Learning Center NI virtual instructor-led training is delivered through Zoom, and Amazon AppStream/LogMein access is provided to participants to perform the exercises on virtual machines equipped with the latest software Cost in Credits: On-Demand: Included with software subscription and enterprise agreements, or 5 Education Services Credits, or 2 Training Credits Public virtual or classroom course: 20 Education Services Credits or 6 Training Credits Private virtual or classroom: 140 Education Services Credits or 40 Training Credits NI Course Outline LESSON OVERVIEW TOPICS Transferring Data Use channel wires to communicate between parallel sections of code without forcing an execution order. Communicating between Parallel Loops Exploring Channel Wires Using Channel Templates Exploring Channel Wire Interactions Transferring Data Using Queues Creating an Event-Driven User Interface Create an application that responds to user interface events by using a variety of event-driven design patterns. Event-Driven Programming User Interface Event Handler Design Pattern Event-Driven State Machine Design Pattern Producer/Consumer (Events) Design Pattern Channeled Message Handler (CMH) Design Pattern Controlling Front Panel Objects Explore methods to programmatically control the front panel. VI Server Architecture Property Nodes and Control References Invoke Nodes Managing Configuration Settings Using Configuration Files Manage configuration settings with the help of a configuration file. Configuration Settings Overview Managing Configuration Settings Using a Delimited File Managing Configuration Settings Using an Initialization (INI) File Developing an Error Handling Strategy Learn how to develop an error handling strategy for your application. Error Handling Overview Exploring Error Response Exploring Event Logging Injecting Errors for Testing Packaging and Distributing LabVIEW Code Learn how to package and distribute LabVIEW code for use by other developers and end-users. Preparing Code for Distribution Build Specifications Creating and Debugging an Application (EXE) Creating a Package for Distribution Programming Practices in LabVIEW Explore recommended practices for programming to develop readable, maintainable, extensible, scalable and performant code. Recommended Coding Practices Writing Performant Code in LabVIEW Software Engineering Best Practices Identify some key principles of software engineering best practices and the benefits of implementing them when working in LabVIEW. Project Management Requirements Gathering Source Code Control Code Review and Testing Continuous Integration Enroll

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The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course Start Date | End Date Duration ENROLL < Back NI Course Overview In the LabVIEW Core 1 Course, you will explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. In this course, you will learn how to develop data acquisition, instrument control, data-logging, and measurement analysis applications. At the end of the course, you will be able to create applications using the state machine design pattern to acquire, analyze, process, visualize, and store real-world data. NI Course Objectives Interactively acquire and analyze single-channel and multi-channel data from NI DAQ devices and non-NI instruments Create user interfaces with charts, graphs, and buttons Use programming structures, data types, and the analysis and signal processing algorithms in LabVIEW Debug and troubleshoot applications Log data to file Use best programming practices for code reuse and readability Implement a sequencer using a state machine design pattern NI Course Details Duration: Instructor-led Classroom: Three (3) days Instructor-led Virtual: Five (5) days, five-and-a-half-hour sessions On-Demand: 7.5 hours (exercises as a supplement) Audience: New users and users preparing to develop applications using LabVIEW Users and technical managers evaluating LabVIEW in purchasing decisions Users pursuing the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer certification Prerequisites: Experience with Microsoft Windows Experience writing algorithms in the form of flowcharts or block diagrams NI Products Used: If you take the course On-Demand: LabVIEW 2021 or later NI-DAQmx 21.0 or later NI-488.2 21.0 or later NI VISA 21.0 or later USB-6212 BNC-2120 If you take the course in an instructor-led format: LabVIEW 2023 or later NI-DAQmx 23.0 or later NI-488.2 23.0 or later NI VISA 23.0 or later USB-6212 BNC-2120 Training Materials Virtual instructor-led training includes digital course material that is delivered through the NI Learning Center. NI virtual instructor-led training is delivered through Zoom, and Amazon AppStream/LogMein access is provided to participants to perform the exercises on virtual machines equipped with the latest software. Cost in Credits On-Demand: Included with software subscription and enterprise agreements, or 5 Education Services Credits, or 2 Training Credits Public virtual or classroom course: 30 Education Services Credits or 9 Training Credits Private virtual or classroom: 210 Education Services Credits or 60 Training Credits NI Course Outline LESSON OVERVIEW TOPICS Introduction to LabVIEW Explore LabVIEW and the common types of LabVIEW applications. Exploring LabVIEW Environment Common Types of Applications Used with LabVIEW First Measurement (NI DAQ Device) Use NI Data Acquisition (DAQ) devices to acquire data into a LabVIEW application. Overview of Hardware Connecting and Testing Your Hardware Data Validation Exploring an Existing Application Explore an existing LabVIEW project and parts of a VI. Exploring a LabVIEW Project Parts of a VI Understanding Dataflow Finding Examples in LabVIEW Creating Your First Application Build a VI that acquires, analyzes, and visualizes data from NI DAQ device as well as from a non-NI instrument. Creating a New Project and a VI Exploring LabVIEW Data Types Building an Acquire-Analyze-Visualize VI (NI DAQ) Building an Acquire-Analyze-Visualize VI (Non-NI Instrument) Exploring LabVIEW Best Practices Use various help and support materials provided by NI, explore resources, tips and tricks for using LabVIEW. Exploring Additional LabVIEW Resources LabVIEW Tips and Tricks Exploring LabVIEW Style Guidelines Debugging and Troubleshooting Explore tools for debugging and troubleshooting a VI. Troubleshooting a Broken VI Debugging Techniques Managing and Displaying Errors Executing Code Repeatedly Using Loops Explore components of LabVIEW loop structures, control the timing of a loop, and use loops to take repeated measurements. Exploring While Loops Exploring For Loops Timing a Loop Using Loops with Hardware APIs Data Feedback in Loops Working with Groups of Data in LabVIEW Work with array and waveform data types, single-channel and N-channel acquisition data. Exploring Data Groups in LabVIEW Working with Single-Channel Acquisition Data Working with N-Channel Acquisition Data Using Arrays Writing and Reading Data to File Explore basic concept of file I/O and how to access and modify file resources in LabVIEW. Writing Data to a Text File Writing Multi-Channel Data to a Text File Creating File and Folder Paths Analyzing Text File Data Comparing File Formats Bundling Mixed Data Types Use LabVIEW to bundle data of different data types and pass data throughout your code using clusters. Exploring Clusters and Their Usage Creating and Accessing Clusters Using Clusters to Plot Data Executing Code Based on a Condition Configure Case structure and execute code based on a condition. Conditional Logic Introduction Creating and Configuring Case Structures Using Conditional Logic Reusing Code Explore the benefits of reusing code and create a subVI with a properly configured connector pane, meaningful icon, documentation, and error handling. Exploring Modularity Working with Icons Configuring the Connector Pane Working with SubVIs Controlling Data Type Changes Propagate data type changes using type definitions. Exploring Type Definitions Creating and Applying Type Definitions Implementing a Sequencer Sequence the tasks in your application by using the State Machine design pattern. Exploring Sequential Programming Exploring State Programming Building State Machines Additional Scalable Design Patterns in LabVIEW First Measurement (Non-NI Instrument) Use LabVIEW to connect to non-NI instruments and validate the results. Instrument Control Overview Communicating with Instruments Types of Instrument Drivers Enroll

This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course Start Date | End Date Duration ENROLL < Back NI Course Overview The LabVIEW Core 2 Course is an extension of the LabVIEW Core 1 Course. This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Topics covered include programmatically respond to user interface events, implementing parallel loops, manage configuration settings in configuration files, develop an error handling strategy for your application, and tools to create executables and installers. The LabVIEW Core 2 Course directly links LabVIEW functionality to your application needs and provides a jump-start for application development. NI Course Objectives Implement multiple parallel loops and transfer data between the loops Create an application that responds to user interface events Manage configuration settings for your application Develop an error handling strategy for your application Package and distribute LV code for reuse Identify Best Programming Practices for use in LabVIEW NI Course Details Duration: Instructor-led Classroom: Two (2) days Instructor-led Virtual: Three (3) days, five-and-a-half-hour sessions On-Demand: 4 hours (exercises as a supplement) Audience: New users and users preparing to develop applications using LabVIEW LabVIEW Core 1 Course attendees Users and technical managers evaluating LabVIEW in purchasing decisions Users pursuing the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer certification Prerequisites: LabVIEW Core 1 Course or equivalent experience NI Products Used: If you take the course On-Demand: LabVIEW 2021 NI-DAQmx 21.0 NI PCI-6221 or NI USB-6212, BNC-2120 Simulated NI-PCI-6221 If you take the course in an instructor-led format: LabVIEW Professional Development System 2023 or later NI-DAQmx 23.0 or later USB-6212 BNC-2120 Training Materials: Virtual instructor-led training includes digital course material that is delivered through the NI Learning Center NI virtual instructor-led training is delivered through Zoom, and Amazon AppStream/LogMein access is provided to participants to perform the exercises on virtual machines equipped with the latest software Cost in Credits: On-Demand: Included with software subscription and enterprise agreements, or 5 Education Services Credits, or 2 Training Credits Public virtual or classroom course: 20 Education Services Credits or 6 Training Credits Private virtual or classroom: 140 Education Services Credits or 40 Training Credits NI Course Outline LESSON OVERVIEW TOPICS Transferring Data Use channel wires to communicate between parallel sections of code without forcing an execution order. Communicating between Parallel Loops Exploring Channel Wires Using Channel Templates Exploring Channel Wire Interactions Transferring Data Using Queues Creating an Event-Driven User Interface Create an application that responds to user interface events by using a variety of event-driven design patterns. Event-Driven Programming User Interface Event Handler Design Pattern Event-Driven State Machine Design Pattern Producer/Consumer (Events) Design Pattern Channeled Message Handler (CMH) Design Pattern Controlling Front Panel Objects Explore methods to programmatically control the front panel. VI Server Architecture Property Nodes and Control References Invoke Nodes Managing Configuration Settings Using Configuration Files Manage configuration settings with the help of a configuration file. Configuration Settings Overview Managing Configuration Settings Using a Delimited File Managing Configuration Settings Using an Initialization (INI) File Developing an Error Handling Strategy Learn how to develop an error handling strategy for your application. Error Handling Overview Exploring Error Response Exploring Event Logging Injecting Errors for Testing Packaging and Distributing LabVIEW Code Learn how to package and distribute LabVIEW code for use by other developers and end-users. Preparing Code for Distribution Build Specifications Creating and Debugging an Application (EXE) Creating a Package for Distribution Programming Practices in LabVIEW Explore recommended practices for programming to develop readable, maintainable, extensible, scalable and performant code. Recommended Coding Practices Writing Performant Code in LabVIEW Software Engineering Best Practices Identify some key principles of software engineering best practices and the benefits of implementing them when working in LabVIEW. Project Management Requirements Gathering Source Code Control Code Review and Testing Continuous Integration Enroll

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Project Case Study Automating a Robotized Production Cell Using NI CompactRIO Aug 15, 2023 7aaedd61-66ef-41f8-a3b1-b0c1f650505f 7aaedd61-66ef-41f8-a3b1-b0c1f650505f Home > Case Studies > *As Featured on NI.com Original Authors: Walid Lachiheb, Sagemcom Tunisia Edited by Cyth Systems Automated control of a robotized production cell using NI CompactRIO for the manufacture of consumer electronics. The Challenge Developing a new test bench design to test power meters with the flexibility to interoperate with automation devices and robotics arms through industrial protocols and adaptability to various product lines. The Solution Combining the benefits of the CompactRIO computation power and its easy interoperability through LabVIEW programming to create a rugged real-time testing solution and operating with robots and performing synchronized testing and monitoring safety with respect to robotic machine safety regulations. Project Overview Sagemcom, a European leader in telecommunications and energy, has been steadily growing since becoming a PRIME alliance member for sponsoring smart meters with PLC-based communication for energy meters and smart grids. We maintain our leadership and provide a high-quality production level and volumes. Therefore, Sagemcom Technology NRJ, an NI Alliance Partner located in Tunisia, has been awarded a new project. This group is responsible for the design and development of turnkey test bench solutions for Sagemcom’s plants and partners all over the world. The new project is to increase actual production volume in a Tunisia factory and ensure a contractual engagement with a customer for line fluidity equal to 99 percent. Robot Cell Concept Design During the vision inspection, we must guarantee the functionality of the LCD and indicating LED of the product. In the past, operators performed tests through manual inspection. We have automated through PC-based automatic test benches using Vision Builder for Automated Inspection. To perform this test we need to interface with camera, automation devices, products through Ethernet communication, and safety controller through Modbus TCP/IP. Concerning the HIPOT test, we must inject 3.2 KV into a product and check its immunity to this high voltage. We need to interface with the accommodating instrumentation through RS232 interface and respect a precise time frame for the leakage current’s measurement. The purpose of the PLC test is to simulate the behavior of the product after field deployment while communicating with the data concentrator in the power line protocol. We need Ethernet/IP communication with a special instrument for signal modulation analysis. During functional testing we have to acquire and analyze communication signals and then interact with a product’s button while acting with a cylinder. This test is quite sensitive due to the accuracy needed to interact with some buttons that have limited access. Duplicating this architecture does not ensure contractual first pass yield (FPY) engagement due to the troubles observed with PC-based solutions (crashes, application bugs, and virus vulnerability). In addition, a budgetary improvement request has been introduced to limit investment on development budget and global solution costs. Considering all these criteria, we faced a challenge and our focus turned to thinking of a constructive way to: Enhance FPY and robustness of test benches Reduce development time and save money Reduce test time and increase volume to save on our investment Reduce handling time to provide a better throughput and avoid operator-related delays Add technical value to the project (hiring a more qualified support team, taking our company from a pure manufacturer to special machine developer, and maintaining our manufacturing capabilities). Reducing Handling Time and Providing Better Throughput After considering the challenge, our first step was to determine an efficient way to reduce handling time and deliver better accuracy while positioning products into test fixtures. Simulations concluded that a robotic cell configuration with a central robot for handling products and an additional smaller robot for performing functional test would work well. We interconnected four test benches and synchronized them to ensure optimal process flow. Even though we selected robots for better handling time, we faced an additional challenge. What is the best way to program them for an efficient predictive algorithm and setting priority to robot handling? CompactRIO for More Robustness and Reduced Testing Time The objective to reduce test time without neglecting robustness significantly impacts this challenge. Through this condition we should identify the most suitable hardware architecture that can provide the highest level of robustness for each cell’s node. In fact, the project income was to guarantee that the adopted architecture could permit safe data exchange between each node in a way that the product could be functionally tested and inspected through vision. We also have to provide a necessary algorithm to set the priority for positioning the robot arms while communicating through DeviceNet protocol and supervising all safety sensors to prevent any security violation. We had to consider that after performing primary studies, we identified a large number of digital I/O and a variety of instruments that communicate through RS422 protocol, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, and even DeviceNet. Thus we had to find a control platform that could: Ensure vision processing Ensure parallel processing operations and advanced programming capability Support industrial protocols Exchange process information as safely as possible After analyzing the available solutions for machine control, we turned our focus to two possible compliant architectures: either using programmable logic controller platforms or the CompactRIO system from NI. We chose CompactRIO because of the calculation power of its processor and FPGA, its support of a large number of industrial protocols, and its easy interoperability through LabVIEW programming. The CompactRIO platform offers built-in vision capabilities and supports camera connectivity over USB and Gigabit Ethernet, which are key differentiators. This system leads to a fully integrated solution and we can save money by avoiding costly smart camera solutions coupled to programmable logic controllers. The CompactRIO platform can also accelerate embedded vision applications through the Vision Development Module, which includes many image processing functions that can run on both a real-time processor and an FPGA. Test Cell Architecture Overview The possibility of using CompactRIO to perform true parallel operation through its FPGA offered a way to reduce test time by paralyzing acquisitions and test sequence. We adopted the cRIO-9030 for our project due to its powerful dual-core Intel Atom E3825, its high-value Kintex-7 FPGA, and the possibility of handling an embedded user interface through its MiniDisplay port, which could help us save investment by using additional PCs for deporting HMI. We chose CompactRIO to overcome a technical issue we observed in the PC-based architecture. A sensible burst measurement can cause a high level of false failure. Even with a costly digital multimeter deployed into that previous architecture, we always faced a high level of line rejection. In fact, we have to perform an RMS measurement accurately for a burst signal having an average amplitude of 700 mV modulated at 50 KHz. This burst allows the meter to synchronize with the power line communication network. Project Outcome Due to the high interoperability of the CompactRIO system and the native support for true parallelism and precise time looping through FPGA, we reduced test time by 21 s, which led to 17 percent productivity growth. This represents a higher throughput and a significant return on investment. We also reduced the number of controllers since we used one cRIO-9030 for all test benches instead of a single industrial PC for each machine, as we had done in the previous machines. This saved 50 percent on controller cost. Original Authors: Walid Lachiheb, Sagemcom Tunisia Edited by Cyth Systems Talk to an Expert Cyth Engineer to learn more

Project Case Study Multi-PCBA Test Solution Delivers Broad Functional Test Coverage for FDA Compliance Aug 8, 2025 6af0a826-9ad4-4818-8bda-7c4a34188d02 6af0a826-9ad4-4818-8bda-7c4a34188d02 Home > Case Studies > A medical device manufacturer required a complete functional test solution consolidating their product verification test phase and quality control process for their FDA-compliant product. Project Summary Cyth developed a unified test platform using PXI, LabVIEW, and TestStand spanning test plans, fixturing, and a common automation architecture for six PCBAs used in patient monitoring devices. System Features & Components PXI instrumentation mapped to multi-DUT test coverage Custom fixturing for 6 constituent PCBAs, including bed-of-nails connectivity to test points RF environmental enclosure for wireless test Measurement software (LabVIEW) and test automation executive (TestStand) with common architecture for efficient reuse across devices-under-test (DUTs) Outcomes Minimized capital costs through instrumentation configurations shared across devices-under-test Reduced engineering development and maintenance effort with common measuremeent code and test automation software Successfully achieved schedule milestones for factory acceptance testing (FAT) Technology at-a-glance PXIe Chassis: PXIe-1078 Data acquisition: PXI-6229 Sensors and signal conditioning: pressure transducer, digital signal attenuator, programmable DC loads Power: PXIe-4112 and PXIe 4113 programmable power supplies Switching: PXI-2564 SPST relay module and PXI-2534 matrix switch Serial communication: PXI-8432 RS232 interface module Environmental: RF Faraday enclosure Test automation software: LabVIEW and TestStand Enabling Responsive Patient Care Vital signs monitoring equipment is the quiet workhorse of patient care. These systems take critical physiological measurements, such as temperature, respiratory rate, blood oxygenation, and blood pressure to provide clinicians with quantifiable data to assess patient health status and automatically detect changes that may indicate emergencies requiring active intervention. Like many medical devices and hospital equipment, modern vital signs monitors have evolved from simple measurement devices to sophisticated digital systems capable of continuous monitoring, wireless data transmission, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs), enabling more responsive patient care and improved clinical outcomes. While these products have become more intelligent and automated, the need for rigorous testing across design and production phases continues to grow. Enhanced Visibility & Monitoring The product incorporates four vital measurements across two distinct measurement subsystems: Cuff attached to the patient’s arm – measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure Pulse oximeter clipped to the patient’s finger – measures oxygen levels, heart rate, and temperature These subsystems are physically connected back to a processing and display unit. The system is also capable of transmitting patient readings wirelessly and securley to local devices, such as a nurse’s tablet, for enhanced visibility and monitoring. Patient's vital signs monitored automatically Comprehensive Test Coverage The engineering team responsible for testing the product faced several core challenges: Finding a test solution that would provide comprehensive test coverage for six individual PCBAs and final assembly verificcation RF testing for wirless connecitivty in a controlled, interference-free environment Reproducible and reliable test data for FDA approvel and ongoing compliance requirements They were looking for outside help from an engineering firm experienced with PCBA and final assembly functional test, ranging from fixture design, instrumentation selection and connecivity, to test software development. Designing a Unified Test Platform After engaging with the client on the product's test requirements, budget, and timeline, our engineering team started by mapping the intended test coverage to instrumentation capable of performing the measurements. We then recognized an opportunity to optimize footprint and overall hardware utilization by consolidating the various DUTs into three bed-of-nails fixtures and two test enclosures. This allowed us to refine the hardware BOM, lowering overall cost spread across the DUTs. Explore Cyth PCBA Expertise Instrumentation Selection: PXIe Chassis: PXIe-1078 Data acquisition: PXI-6229 Power: PXIe-4112 and PXIe-4113 programmable power supplies Switching: PXI-2564 SPST relay module and PXI-2534 matrix switch Serial communication: PXI-8432 RS232 interface module NI PXI instrumentation including: PXIe-1078 chassis, programmable power supplies, serial communications interface and switching After finalizing the instrumentation BOM, our team planned out the signal routing diagram, including strategic switching, from the PXI modules' channels all the way to the DUTs' test points, as accessed through cabling and the fixtures' pogo pins. Throughout this process, we leveraged our PCBACheck reference design for advanced starting points on fixture CAD, layout, and sub-components. In effect, this versatile test fixture design allowed for multiple DUTs to be tested simultaneously, increasing the throughput and efficiency of the system without requiring additional instrumentation. The circuit board positioning in the test fixtures. Environmental RF Test One of the more complex challenges involved validating the product's wireless interface. To do so, we needed to create a controlled environment free of RF noise and interference, opting to design in an RF Faraday enclosure to create such an environment. We developed a comprehensive test protocol that exercised the wireless PCBA across multiple power modes using a 3-bit control signal. Through a digital signal attenuator, we measured transmission power and signal quality across the ISM Band (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical), specifically at 838 MHz and 916 MHz frequencies. This test methodology supported the project requirements of: Validating signal strength at various Tx/Rx distances Verifying proper power mode transitions Documenting signal quality metrics for regulatory compliance Test Software & Regulatory Compliance: Our engineering team developed the test software in conjunction with the hardware design and build aspects of the project. Using our PCBACheck software framework, we developed individual test modules in LabVIEW using a hardware abstraction layer in the form of driver APIs and pre-existing measurement expertise. From there, we incorporated those discrete, reusable code modules into multiple TestStand sequences capable of executing the test plan for each individual DUT. TestStand, and the PCBACheck automation framework for functional test provides the following benefits: Learn about TestStand Test sequence development – graphical sequence editor for code module integration and validation against test requirements Test execution – flexible process models and multi-threaded resource management Data access – customizable operator interfaces, report generation, and database connectivity Implementing a unified test automation framework across the DUTs helped with code reuse, debugging, and test data repeatability. Having reliable, consistently formatted test data helped our client with their Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) phase and lowered the effort to collect and report on compliance metrics for the FDA, avoiding many hidden costs and unpredictable headaches. Golden PCBA sample loaded into bed-of-nails-fixture during FAT Full Turnkey Test Coverage Overall, the Cyth team delivered a complete turnkey solution of two PCBA functional test enclosures and a final assembly test for our client's patient monitoring product within schedule and budget. The unified test platform provided a versatile fixture design and intelligent instrumentation routing, helping control capital equipment costs. The test automation software provided full test coverage for the various individual DUTs, making test data easily accessible and repeatable. In effect, this solution helped our client spin up their factory test capabilities sooner than an in-house approach, clearing the product's path to market and easing downstream quality control efforts. Let's Talk

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Functional testing involves applying operational power to a PCBA to ensure it performs its designated functions. This type requires custom-built test equipment. PCBACheck™ Printed Circuit Board Testing Equipment Industrial Reference Design Our AUTOMATED PCBA TEST Equipment Reference Design is 90% Standardized and 10% Custom. Home > Services > Automated Test Systems > PCBACheck PCBA Functional Test Solution Businesses depend on Cyth Systems' expertise in functional test fixtures. Functional testing involves applying full operational power to a printed circuit board (PCBA) to ensure it performs its designated functions. This type of test often requires custom-built test equipment and fixtures. Cyth Systems provides support for all types of functional test strategies. Starter PXI Instruments Customize PXI Devices as Needed Pre-Designed Bed-of-Nails Customize Probes Locations Pre-Designed Interposer Board Customize Probes & Other Circuitry Software Environment Customize Sequences & Measurement Instruments Drivers Customize Measurements Top PCB Reliability Testing Solution. Bed-of-Nails Functional Tester Preconfigured Database Preconfigured PXI System Budget & Schedule Preconfigured Test Cart Preconfigured Reports Automate complex tasks faster Speak to Engineer Perform complex and rapid tasks and measurements that are impossible for human manual tests. Test multiple boards simultaneously, even share time-expensive equipment. Conduct Stress or Life Testing of boards by repeating tests hundreds or thousands of times. Bed-of-Nails Functional Tester Bed of Nails Functional Tester Predesigned fixture ready for custom modifications for any board: Customize width & depth Customize Pin Placement Customize front and rear panel Customize Interposer Board Speak to Engineer Preconfigured PXI System Preconfigured PXI System Standard PXI Modules suits 90% of applications needs as-is: Power Supply Oscilloscope Digital Multimeter Configurable Switch Matrix Add additional modules, signals, and inputs as needed to expand your application. Speak to Engineer Preconfigured Test Cart Preconfigured Test Cart Standardized Test Cart serves most applications as-is without modification! Internal Rack Mounting Customizable worksurface Bar Code Scanner or Badge Reader Power Systems included Customization not required, but... fully customizable if necessary Speak to Engineer Preconfigured Database Preconfigured Database Standardized database Schema serves 90% of most applications as-is without modification: Speak to Engineer Store any test results, pass fail results Store images, waveforms, raw data Customization not required, but... Fully customizable if necessary Preconfigured Reports Preconfigured Reports Preconfigured Reports suits most applications as-is with CUSTOMIZATION INCLUDED Most common report fields already setup Fully customizable graphics and layout Fully customize graphs, tables, images Export to PDF already included Premade Excel or Word Templates you can customize and modify Speak to Engineer Budget & Schedule Budget & Schedule Preconfigured Budget for all included features: Most projects within 10% of standard budget and schedule Automatically adjusts for project size and features Budget INCLUDES customizations Speak to Engineer We know the ins and outs of PCB's Power supply voltage levels (VCC, VDD, etc.). Clock signals (system clock, peripheral clocks). Analog input signals (e.g., sensor inputs). Digital control signals (e.g., reset, enable signals). Serial communication inputs (UART, SPI, I2C). External trigger inputs. User interface inputs (buttons, switches). PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals. Temperature sensor inputs. Voltage reference inputs. Digital output signals (data lines, control lines). Analog input signals (ADC inputs). Analog output signals (DAC outputs). LED indicators. Display outputs (LCD, OLED, LED display segments). Relay control outputs. Voltage regulator outputs. Power-on indicator outputs. Current sense inputs/outputs. Power-up sequence testing. Power-down sequence testing. Voltage tolerance testing. Clock frequency and accuracy testing. Data integrity testing (checksum, CRC). Communication protocol testing (UART, SPI, I2C). Uploading Firmware or other files. Overvoltage protection testing. Undervoltage lockout testing. Logic functionality testing (gate-level/functional logic). Memory read/write testing (RAM, Flash). Sensor calibration and accuracy testing. ADC/DAC functionality and accuracy testing. Motor control functionality testing. Audio output quality testing. Display content and pixel testing. Communication protocol testing. Button/switch functionality testing. Temperature sensor accuracy testing. All these I/O's and much more. Speak to Engineer Prototype Form Why Cyth? Cyth Systems has over two decades of providing the technology and expertise you need to be successful on Automation, Measurement, and Controls projects. Our engineers will work alongside your team to design the system to meet your specifications. We develop your solutions with reduced risk, cost, and schedule. Need PCBA testing help or advice? First Name Last Name Email How can we help? [attributer-channel] [attributer-channeldrilldown1] [attributer-channeldrilldown2] [attributer-channeldrilldown3] [attributer-landingpage] [attributer-landingpagegroup] Let's talk PCBA Solutions Menu

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The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course Start Date | End Date Duration ENROLL < Back NI Course Overview In the LabVIEW Core 1 Course, you will explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. In this course, you will learn how to develop data acquisition, instrument control, data-logging, and measurement analysis applications. At the end of the course, you will be able to create applications using the state machine design pattern to acquire, analyze, process, visualize, and store real-world data. NI Course Objectives Interactively acquire and analyze single-channel and multi-channel data from NI DAQ devices and non-NI instruments Create user interfaces with charts, graphs, and buttons Use programming structures, data types, and the analysis and signal processing algorithms in LabVIEW Debug and troubleshoot applications Log data to file Use best programming practices for code reuse and readability Implement a sequencer using a state machine design pattern NI Course Details Duration: Instructor-led Classroom: Three (3) days Instructor-led Virtual: Five (5) days, five-and-a-half-hour sessions On-Demand: 7.5 hours (exercises as a supplement) Audience: New users and users preparing to develop applications using LabVIEW Users and technical managers evaluating LabVIEW in purchasing decisions Users pursuing the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer certification Prerequisites: Experience with Microsoft Windows Experience writing algorithms in the form of flowcharts or block diagrams NI Products Used: If you take the course On-Demand: LabVIEW 2021 or later NI-DAQmx 21.0 or later NI-488.2 21.0 or later NI VISA 21.0 or later USB-6212 BNC-2120 If you take the course in an instructor-led format: LabVIEW 2023 or later NI-DAQmx 23.0 or later NI-488.2 23.0 or later NI VISA 23.0 or later USB-6212 BNC-2120 Training Materials Virtual instructor-led training includes digital course material that is delivered through the NI Learning Center. NI virtual instructor-led training is delivered through Zoom, and Amazon AppStream/LogMein access is provided to participants to perform the exercises on virtual machines equipped with the latest software. Cost in Credits On-Demand: Included with software subscription and enterprise agreements, or 5 Education Services Credits, or 2 Training Credits Public virtual or classroom course: 30 Education Services Credits or 9 Training Credits Private virtual or classroom: 210 Education Services Credits or 60 Training Credits NI Course Outline Lesson Overview Topics Introduction to LabVIEW Explore LabVIEW and the common types of LabVIEW applications. Exploring LabVIEW Environment Common Types of Applications Used with LabVIEW First Measurement (NI DAQ Device) Use NI Data Acquisition (DAQ) devices to acquire data into a LabVIEW application. Overview of Hardware Connecting and Testing Your Hardware Data Validation Exploring an Existing Application Explore an existing LabVIEW project and parts of a VI. Exploring a LabVIEW Project Parts of a VI Understanding Dataflow Finding Examples in LabVIEW Creating Your First Application Build a VI that acquires, analyzes, and visualizes data from NI DAQ device as well as from a non-NI instrument. Creating a New Project and a VI Exploring LabVIEW Data Types Building an Acquire-Analyze-Visualize VI (NI DAQ) Building an Acquire-Analyze-Visualize VI (Non-NI Instrument) Exploring LabVIEW Best Practices Use various help and support materials provided by NI, explore resources, tips and tricks for using LabVIEW. Exploring Additional LabVIEW Resources LabVIEW Tips and Tricks Exploring LabVIEW Style Guidelines Debugging and Troubleshooting Explore tools for debugging and troubleshooting a VI. Troubleshooting a Broken VI Debugging Techniques Managing and Displaying Errors Executing Code Repeatedly Using Loops Explore components of LabVIEW loop structures, control the timing of a loop, and use loops to take repeated measurements. Exploring While Loops Exploring For Loops Timing a Loop Using Loops with Hardware APIs Data Feedback in Loops Working with Groups of Data in LabVIEW Work with array and waveform data types, single-channel and N-channel acquisition data. Exploring Data Groups in LabVIEW Working with Single-Channel Acquisition Data Working with N-Channel Acquisition Data Using Arrays Writing and Reading Data to File Explore basic concept of file I/O and how to access and modify file resources in LabVIEW. Writing Data to a Text File Writing Multi-Channel Data to a Text File Creating File and Folder Paths Analyzing Text File Data Comparing File Formats Bundling Mixed Data Types Use LabVIEW to bundle data of different data types and pass data throughout your code using clusters. Exploring Clusters and Their Usage Creating and Accessing Clusters Using Clusters to Plot Data Executing Code Based on a Condition Configure Case structure and execute code based on a condition. Conditional Logic Introduction Creating and Configuring Case Structures Using Conditional Logic Reusing Code Explore the benefits of reusing code and create a subVI with a properly configured connector pane, meaningful icon, documentation, and error handling. Exploring Modularity Working with Icons Configuring the Connector Pane Working with SubVIs Controlling Data Type Changes Propagate data type changes using type definitions. Exploring Type Definitions Creating and Applying Type Definitions Implementing a Sequencer Sequence the tasks in your application by using the State Machine design pattern. Exploring Sequential Programming Exploring State Programming Building State Machines Additional Scalable Design Patterns in LabVIEW First Measurement (Non-NI Instrument) Use LabVIEW to connect to non-NI instruments and validate the results. Instrument Control Overview Communicating with Instruments Types of Instrument Drivers Enroll

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Functional testing involves applying operational power to a PCBA to ensure it performs its designated functions. This type requires custom-built test equipment. PCBACheck™ Printed Circuit Board Assembly Tester Industrial Reference Design Our AUTOMATED PCBA TEST Equipment Reference Design is 90% Standardized and 10% Custom. Home > Services > Automated Test Systems > PCBACheck PCBA Functional Test Solution Businesses depend on Cyth Systems' expertise in functional test fixtures. Functional testing involves applying full operational power to a printed circuit board (PCBA) to ensure it performs its designated functions. This type of test often requires custom-built test equipment and fixtures. Cyth Systems provides support for all types of functional test strategies. Starter PXI Instruments Customize PXI Devices as Needed Pre-Designed Bed-of-Nails Customize Probes Locations Pre-Designed Interposer Board Customize Probes & Other Circuitry Software Environment Customize Sequences & Measurement Instruments Drivers Customize Measurements Top Our Solution. Bed-of-Nails Functional Tester Preconfigured Database Preconfigured PXI System Budget & Schedule Preconfigured Test Cart Preconfigured Reports Automate complex tasks faster Speak to Engineer Perform complex and rapid tasks and measurements that are impossible for human manual tests. Test multiple boards simultaneously, even share time-expensive equipment. Conduct Stress or Life Testing of boards by repeating tests hundreds or thousands of times. Bed-of-Nails Functional Tester Bed of Nails Functional Tester Predesigned fixture ready for custom modifications for any board: Customize width & depth Customize Pin Placement Customize front and rear panel Customize Interposer Board Speak to Engineer Preconfigured PXI System Preconfigured PXI System Standard PXI Modules suits 90% of applications needs as-is: Power Supply Oscilloscope Digital Multimeter Configurable Switch Matrix Add additional modules, signals, and inputs as needed to expand your application. Speak to Engineer Preconfigured Test Cart Preconfigured Test Cart Standardized Test Cart serves most applications as-is without modification! Internal Rack Mounting Customizable worksurface Bar Code Scanner or Badge Reader Power Systems included Customization not required, but... Fully customizable if necessary Speak to Engineer Preconfigured Database Preconfigured Database Standardized database Schema serves 90% of most applications as-is without modification: Speak to Engineer Store any test results, pass fail results Store images, waveforms, raw data Customization not required, but... Fully customizable if necessary Preconfigured Reports Preconfigured Reports Preconfigured Reports suits most applications as-is with CUSTOMIZATION INCLUDED Most common report fields already setup Fully customizable graphics and layout Fully customize graphs, tables, images Export to PDF already included Premade Excel or Word Templates you can customize and modify Speak to Engineer Budget & Schedule Budget & Schedule Preconfigured Budget for all included features: Most projects within 10% of standard budget and schedule Automatically adjusts for project size and features Budget INCLUDES customizations Speak to Engineer We know the ins and outs of PCB's Power supply voltage levels (VCC, VDD, etc.). Clock signals (system clock, peripheral clocks). Analog input signals (e.g., sensor inputs). Digital control signals (e.g., reset, enable signals). Serial communication inputs (UART, SPI, I2C). External trigger inputs. User interface inputs (buttons, switches). PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals. Temperature sensor inputs. Voltage reference inputs. Digital output signals (data lines, control lines). Analog input signals (ADC inputs). Analog output signals (DAC outputs). LED indicators. Display outputs (LCD, OLED, LED display segments). Relay control outputs. Voltage regulator outputs. Power-on indicator outputs. Current sense inputs/outputs. Power-up sequence testing. Power-down sequence testing. Voltage tolerance testing. Clock frequency and accuracy testing. Data integrity testing (checksum, CRC). Communication protocol testing (UART, SPI, I2C). Uploading Firmware or other files. Overvoltage protection testing. Undervoltage lockout testing. Logic functionality testing (gate-level/functional logic). Memory read/write testing (RAM, Flash). Sensor calibration and accuracy testing. ADC/DAC functionality and accuracy testing. Motor control functionality testing. Audio output quality testing. Display content and pixel testing. Communication protocol testing. Button/switch functionality testing. Temperature sensor accuracy testing. All these I/O's and much more. Speak to Engineer Prototype Form Why Cyth? Cyth Systems has over two decades of providing the technology and expertise you need to be successful on Automation, Measurement, and Controls projects. Our engineers will work alongside your team to design the system to meet your specifications. We develop your solutions with reduced risk, cost, and schedule. Need PCBA testing help or advice? First Name Last Name Email How can we help? [attributer-channel] [attributer-channeldrilldown1] [attributer-channeldrilldown2] [attributer-channeldrilldown3] [attributer-landingpage] [attributer-landingpagegroup] Let's talk PCBA Solutions Menu

Our team of LabVIEW Consulting Developers is here to provide domain, application, and overall test development to help your team advance on the NI platform. LabVIEW Consulting & Development LabVIEW engineering services for automated test, measurement, and control applications. View services Speak to Engineer LabVIEW Engineering Services View services Hourly LabVIEW Consulting Get up and running with a new application or fix critical bugs  Get in touch  LabVIEW Code Reviews  Our experienced developers help audit your test and automation software for best practices and potential issues, improving quality and maintainability. Schedule a call  Architecture Consulting  Design in best practices for performance, scalability, and maintenance for complex automation applications Case Study  Legacy System Upgrades  Migrate existing code, add support for new hardware, or build in new functionality Case Study  Schedule a free consultation Explore Applications “Working with Cyth is refreshing. Status reports, budget updates, design meetings... they've perfected the way projects should be done.” -R.J., Senior Quality Engineer, Medical Device Manufacturer Why Partner with Cyth? De-risk complex projects Automation architecture expertise Our end-to-end engineering experience helps you avoid costly architecture mistakes and integration challenges so you can deploy solutions faster.  Flexible by Design Scalable development approach  Modular code architecture and adaptable service models allow you to evolve applications throughout development cycles and changing requirements Never Start from Scratch Build on proven foundations Accelerate development with our tested LabVIEW templates and design patterns for common automation tasks. Applications & Expertise Applications & Expertise Research & Development Tools Accelerate innovation with custom R&D software for repeatable measurements and process control Read the case study Test Automation & Measurement Systems Automate tests with precision, speed, and repeatability. Read the case study Production & Reliability Test Ensure product quality through comprehensive test coverage and results tracking. Read the case study Data Analysis & Visualization Transform test and measurement datasets with custom processing, robust UIs, and flexible data storage. Read the case study NI Platform Expertise As an experienced NI Systems Integrator, Cyth can help you overcome challenges and deliver scalable test and automation solutions Why LabVIEW? Let’s start building Success Stories  See Cyth and LabVIEW in action through real-world applications. Automated Battery QA Ensures Medical Device Reliability Robotic Automation Triples Sample Preparation Throughput CompactRIO Enables Automated Circuit Board Testing 1 2 3 4 5 Talk with an Engineer

Project Case Study Force Plate Measurement System for Physiotherapy using NI Hardware Mar 27, 2024 20f2a069-64fe-4d04-864a-9590e9abfce7 20f2a069-64fe-4d04-864a-9590e9abfce7 Home > Case Studies > *As Featured on NI.com Original Authors: Karina Taylor, EnvisEng Pty Ltd Edited by Cyth Systems Force plate in use at St. Vincent hospital's physiotherapy uses NI CompactDAQ and LabVIEW to acquire pressure data. The Challenge EnvisEng set out to provide a system that consistently measures and analyses human balance on one leg to assess the progress of patients under their rehabilitation treatments to regain mobility. The Solution Utilizing NI’s compact and modular CompactDAQ platform, EnvisEng delivered a custom-built hardware and software analysis system to St Vincent’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department at a lower price point than any off-the-shelf force plate measurement system. EnvisEng is an NI Partner in Sydney, Australia, that specializes in scientific and medical applications of LabVIEW-based data monitoring, analysis, and control. The founder of the company is a Certified LabVIEW Architect, a Certified Professional Instructor, a physicist, and an electrical engineer with many years of experience in project management and software development. The Musculoskeletal Outpatient Physiotherapy Department at St Vincent’s Hospital provides rehabilitation treatments to its patients. Physical therapists needed a method of consistently measuring human balance on one leg, over multiple physiotherapy sessions, to assess patients’ responses to their prescribed exercise programs. Off-the-shelf force plate measurement systems were prohibitively expensive to St Vincent’s Hospital, which needed only a subset of the features in these systems. St Vincent’s had a small but specific list of requirements that could easily be met using a simple NI data acquisition solution. Left: Force Plate System in Use at the Hospital, Right: LabVIEW user interface giving balance monitoring feedback of the force-plate sensor in real-time. Application Overview EnvisEng designed and built a custom hardware and software analysis system for St Vincent’s Hospital using the NI cDAQ-9181 single-slot Ethernet chassis with an NI 9237 four-channel bridge/strain measurement module. This compact, Ethernet-connected DAQ product provided the most simple, accurate, and cost-effective solution for the customer. The 750 x 750 mm force plate itself was fabricated out of steel. A load cell was placed in each of the four corners of the force plate. The top plate that the patient stands on was covered with a non-slip flooring laminate for safety and aesthetics. The NI data acquisition hardware and power supply were housed in an electrically safe enclosure adjacent to the instrument, which was connected to the main power and monitoring PC via Ethernet. The whole setup is like an accurate, industrialized Wii-fit-style balance board. Original Authors: Karina Taylor, EnvisEng Pty Ltd Edited by Cyth Systems Talk to an Expert Cyth Engineer to learn more

Project Case Study Power Plant Asset Health Data Visualization Enabled by NI cDAQ Sep 12, 2025 18527118-281c-470a-9101-a07694b4aa29 18527118-281c-470a-9101-a07694b4aa29 Home > Case Studies > Applied research institute enabled live generator and excitation system asset health updates to power plants with generating capacities up to 348 MW. *As Featured on ni.com Original Author: Nemanja Milojčić, Electrical Engineering Institute "NIKOLA TESLA" Edited by: Cyth Systems Synchronous power generators in operation at a thermal power plant Project Summary Applied research institute enabled live generator and excitation system asset health updates to power plants with generating capacities up to 348 MW. System Features & Components Millisecond-level transient capture for excitation systems and synchronous generators Custom signal conditioning equipment for isolating voltage and current measurements LabVIEW UI-based data visualization with live graphs, on-demand data recording, and external triggering options Multi-facility deployment capability supporting generators from 20 MW to 348 MW Outcomes Successful deployment across multiple power generation facilities monitoring generators ranging from 20 MW to 348 MW capacity Enabled detailed transient analysis and proactive maintenance without compromising plant safety or normal operations Scalable monitoring architecture with planned SCADA integration and remote Ethernet access enable the continuous integration capabilities required bymodern power plants Technology at-a-glance NI cDAQ-9172 chassis NI 9203 analog input modules NI 9245 digital input modules NI LabVIEW software Industrial 15-inch touch panel PC Electrically isolated voltage and current sensors Custom signal conditioning equipment Understanding Transient Behavior Modern electrical grids depend on the seamless operation of power plants that supply electricity to millions of homes and businesses. When these facilities experience unexpected failures or transient events, it can impact entire regional power networks, and potentially cause widespread blackouts that affect the essential infrastructure communities depend on. Disturbances to the excitation system, even on a microsecond-level, can trigger catastrophic equipment failures and grid instabilities that could cost utilities providers millions in lost revenue and emergency repairs. In modern power plants, the main sources of electrical energy come from synchronous generators. This type of generator is an AC electrical machine that rotates at a constant speed synchronously with grid frequency. It uses an excitation system to control the strength of the magnetic field through its rotor windings, thereby regulating voltage output and reactive power. Understanding and monitoring the transient behavior of these systems is crucial for maintaining grid stability and preventing equipment failures. Asset Health Monitoring The Nikola Tesla Institute of Electrical Engineering, an applied research institute that designs and manufactures complete excitation systems for synchronous generators, took on the challenge of designing and implementing a solution to monitor the behaviors of excitation and generator systems during normal operation and failures. They recognized the need for a data acquisition solution completely independent of the control signals of the excitation system to enable experimentation without risking the health of primary equipment or interfering with normal plant processes. Instantaneous Data Visualization The research engineers decided to built their monitoring solution with NI CompactDAQ (cDAQ) hardware and LabVIEW software. A few of the key system hardware components were: NI cDAQ-9172 chassis with NI 9203 analog input modules and NI 9245 digital input modules Industrial 15-inch touch panel PC for operator interface and manual system control Custom signal conditioning equipment with isolated voltage and current sensors to bring output signals into a range compatible with the NI cDAQ and maintain linearity across measurement ranges The NI CompactDAQ integrated into the control cabinet. The LabVIEW-based application provided comprehensive monitoring capabilities: Live visualization of the entire excitation system on a primary screen Live graphs of analog signals that could be initiated on-demand or by an external trigger Intuitive operator interface for quickly viewing data, adjusting triggering conditions, and monitoring digital inputs To iteratively improve on their monitoring system design and safely validate its performance, the research team implemented a phased deployment strategy that included multiple power plants: First deployment: Nikola Tesla A Thermal Power Plant in Obrenovac, Serbia; new excitation system for generator No. 4 (308 MW) Second deployment: Kostolac B Thermal Power Plant in Kostolac, Serbia; generator No. 1 (348 MW) Planned third deployment: Potpec Hydro Plant in Priboj; generator B (20 MW) Software front panel displayed on touch panel PC at Nikola Tesla A thermal Power Plant in Obrenovac, Serbia The research team is currently working on implementing a few features to make the system even more robust and provide even more detailed information for power plant operation teams. Generator synchronizer monitoring with comprehensive data recording capabilities throughout synchronization processes Automatic reconnection systems for the power plant's 6 kV self-supply Complete capture of all changes in busbar systems Linking the cDAQ monitoring system to power plant supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) power plant control equipment Making all measurement data accessible on local, secure networks Explore a Cyth-Built Monitoring Solution Proactive Maintenance Enablement The research engineers from the Nikola Tesla Institute of Electrical Engineering were able to deliver multiple operational benefits to their power plant clients through their synchronous generator monitoring solution: Multi-facility deployment success: Capability to monitor generators ranging from 20 MW to 348 MW capacity High-bandwidth transient event capture: 10 kHz data acquisition bandwidth enabled monitoring of the excitation system disturbances and generator response characteristics on the microsecond-level Enhanced analysis capabilities: Live system health status, intuitive data visualization and flexible data recording capabilities significantly improved the analysis of excitation system performance Proactive maintenance: Early identification and resolution of potential issues before power generation is impacted As the researchers incorporate more capabilities into their systems, they look forward to offering their clients: Expanded monitoring scope: Live health status of generator synchronizer and 6 kV self-supply Future-ready architecture: SCADA integration and remote Ethernet access for comprehensive power plant monitoring Modular foundation: NI hardware and LabVIEW software architecture provides scalable platform for continued facility expansion Throughout system development and continuous system improvements, the NI cDAQ paired with LabVIEW software has provided the research team with a scalable and flexible foundation to adapt their system to the current and future needs of their power plant clients. Original Author: Nemanja Milojčić , Nikola Tesla Institute of Electrical Engineering Edited by: Cyth Systems

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Cyth Systems | Whitepapers | Sensor Fundamentals | Measuring Direct Current (DC) Voltage Guide | Cyth Systems Measuring Direct Current (DC) Voltage Guide | Cyth Systems Measuring Voltage Voltage is the difference of electrical potential between two points of an electrical or electronic circuit, expressed in volts. It measures the potential energy of an electric field to cause an electric current in an electrical conductor. To measure voltage, two considerations need to be. 1) The voltage level at which the measurement is referenced to, as well as 2) the signal source. The two methods to measure voltage are ground reference and differential. Common signal source types are floating signal sources and grounded signal sources. Both signal sources have optimal connection diagrams based on the individual measurement method. Please note that depending on the type of signal, a particular voltage measurement method may provide better results than others. Learn more about Field Wiring and Noise Considerations for Analog Signals. Measurement Reference Point Methods There are two methods to measure voltages: ground referenced and differential . Ground-Referenced Voltage Measurement (RSE or NRSE) One voltage measurement method is to measure voltage with respect to a common, or a “ground,” point. Usually, these “grounds” are stable and around 0 V. Historically, the term ground originated from ensuring the voltage potential is at 0 V by connecting the signal to the earth. Ground-referenced input connections are good for a channel that meets the following conditions: Input signal is high-level (greater than 1 V) Leads connecting the device's signal are less than 10 ft The input signal can share a common reference point with other signals The ground reference is provided by either the device taking the measurement or by the external signal being measured. When the ground is provided by the device, this setup is called ground-referenced single-ended mode (RSE), and when the ground is provided by the signal, the setup is called nonreferenced single-ended mode (NRSE). Differential Voltage Measurement (DIFF) Another way to measure voltage is to determine the “differential” voltage between two separate points in an electrical circuit. For example, to measure the voltage across a single resistor, you measure the voltage at both ends of the resistor. The difference between the voltages is the voltage across the resistor. Usually, you can use differential voltage measurements to determine the voltage that exists across individual elements of a circuit—or you can use this method when the signal sources are noisy. Differential input connections are particularly well suited for a channel that meets any of the following conditions: The input signal is low-level (less than 1 V) The leads connecting the signal to the device are greater than 3 m (10 ft) The input signal requires a separate ground reference point or return signal The signal leads travel through noisy environments In differential mode, the negative signal is wired to and analog pin directly facing the analog channel that is connected to the positive signal. The disadvantage of differential mode is that it effectively reduces the number of analog input measurement channels by half. Types of Signal Sources Before configuring the input channels and making signal connections, you must determine whether the signal sources are floating or ground referenced. Floating Signal Sources A floating signal source is not connected to the building ground system but has an isolated ground reference point. Some examples of floating signal sources are outputs of transformers, thermocouples, battery-powered devices, optical isolators, and isolation amplifiers. An instrument or device that has an isolated output is a floating signal source. The ground reference of a floating signal must be connected to the ground of the device to establish a local or onboard reference for the signal. Otherwise, the measured input signal varies as the source floats outside the common-mode input range. For floating signals, you have several options when it comes to input configurations: differential (DIFF), single-ended ground referenced (RSE), or single-ended non-referenced (NRSE). Figure 1. Floating signal source with recommended input configurations. Ground-Referenced Signal Sources A ground-referenced signal source is connected to the building system ground, so it is already connected to a common ground point with respect to the device, assuming that the measurement device is plugged into the same power system as the source. Non-isolated outputs of instruments and devices that plug into the building power system fall into this category. The difference in ground potential between two instruments connected to the same building power system is typically between 1 and 100 mV, but the difference can be much higher if power distribution circuits are improperly connected. If a grounded signal source is incorrectly measured, this difference can appear as measurement error. Following the connection instructions for grounded signal sources can eliminate the ground potential difference from the measured signal. For grounded signals, you have two options when it comes to input configurations, differential (DIFF) or single-ended non-referenced (NRSE). NI does not recommend that you use single-ended ground referenced input configurations for grounded signal sources. Figure 2. Grounded-referenced signal source with input configurations Grounded Signal Source Input Configuration For grounded signals, you have two options when it comes to input configurations. Note: NI does not recommend that you use single-ended ground referenced input configurations for grounded signal sources. Voltage Measurement Considerations When measuring voltage, you should consider things such as high-voltage measurement, ground loops, common-mode voltage, and isolation topologies. High-Voltage Measurements and Isolation There are many issues to consider when measuring higher voltages. When specifying a data acquisition system, the first question you should ask is whether the system will be safe. Making high-voltage measurements can be hazardous to your equipment, to the unit under test, and even to you and your colleagues. To ensure that your system is safe, you should provide an insulation barrier between the user and hazardous voltages with isolated measurement devices. Isolation, a means of physically and electrically separating two parts of a measurement device, can be categorized into electrical and safety isolation. Electrical isolation pertains to eliminating ground paths between two electrical systems. By providing electrical isolation, you can break ground loops, increase the common-mode range of the data acquisition system, and level shift the signal ground reference to a single system ground. Safety isolation references standards that have specific requirements for isolating humans from contact with hazardous voltages. It also characterizes the ability of an electrical system to prevent high-voltage and transient voltages to be transmitted across its boundary to other electrical systems with which the user may come in contact. Incorporating isolation into a data acquisition system has three primary functions: preventing ground loops, rejecting common-mode voltage, and providing safety. Learn more about  high-voltage measurements and isolation . Ground Loops Ground loops are the most common source of noise in data acquisition applications. They occur when two connected terminals in a circuit are at different ground potentials, causing current to flow between the two points. The local ground of your system can be several volts above or below the ground of the nearest building, and nearby lightning strikes can cause the difference to rise to several hundreds or thousands of volts. This additional voltage itself can cause significant error in the measurement, but the current that causes it can couple voltages in nearby wires as well. These errors can appear as transients or periodic signals. For example, if a ground loop is formed with 60 Hz AC power lines, the unwanted AC signal appears as a periodic voltage error in the measurement. When a ground loop exists, the measured voltage, ΔVm, is the sum of the signal voltage, Vs, and the potential difference,  ΔVg, which exists between the signal source ground and the measurement system ground, as shown in Figure 6. This potential is generally not a DC level; thus, the result is a noisy measurement system often showing the 60 Hz power-line frequency components in the readings. To avoid ground loops, ensure that there is only one ground reference in the measurement system, or use isolated measurement hardware. Using isolated hardware eliminates the path between the ground of the signal source and the measurement device, thus preventing any current from flowing between multiple ground points. Common-Mode Voltage An ideal differential measurement system responds only to the potential difference between its two terminals, the (+) and (-) inputs. The differential voltage across the circuit pair is the desired signal, yet an unwanted signal may exist that is common to both sides of a differential circuit pair. This voltage is known as common-mode voltage . An ideal differential measurement system completely rejects, rather than measures, the common-mode voltage. Practical devices, however, have several limitations, described by parameters such as common-mode voltage range and common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR), which limit this ability to reject the common-mode voltage. The common-mode voltage range is defined as the maximum allowable voltage swing on each input with respect to the measurement system ground. Violating this constraint results not only in measurement error but also in possible damage to components on the device. Common-mode rejection ratio describes the ability of a measurement system to reject common-mode voltages. Amplifiers with higher common-mode rejection ratios are more effective at rejecting common-mode voltages. In a non-isolated differential measurement system, an electrical path still exists in the circuit between input and output. Therefore, the electrical characteristics of the amplifier limit the common-mode signal level that you can apply to the input. With the use of isolation amplifiers, the conductive electrical path is eliminated, and the common-mode rejection ratio is dramatically increased. Isolation Topologies It is important to understand the isolation topology of a device when configuring a measurement system. Different topologies have several associated cost and speed considerations. Two common topologies are channel-to-channel and bank. Channel-to-Channel The most robust isolation topology is channel-to-channel isolation . In this topology, each channel is individually isolated from one another and from other non-isolated system components. In addition, each channel has its own isolated power supply. In terms of speed, there are several architectures from which to choose. Using an isolation amplifier with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) per channel is typically faster because you can access all the channels in parallel. A more cost-effective yet slower architecture involves multiplexing each isolated input channel into a single ADC. Another method of providing channel-to-channel isolation is to use a common isolated power supply for all the channels. In this case, the common-mode range of the amplifiers is limited to the supply rails of that power supply, unless you use front-end attenuators. Bank Another isolation topology involves banking , or grouping, several channels together to share a single isolation amplifier. In this topology, the common-mode voltage difference between channels is limited, but the common-mode voltage between the bank of channels and the non-isolated part of the measurement system can be large. Individual channels are not isolated, but banks of channels are isolated from other banks and from ground. This topology is a lower-cost isolation solution because this design shares a single isolation amplifier and power supply. Measure Voltage with NI Hardware The acquisition hardware’s quality determines the quality of the voltage data you collect. NI offers a range of that can accurately measure voltage over a wide range of values and generate voltage signals for control and communication applications. NI voltage products have options that are optimized for industrial or hazardous locations and can have built-in isolation and overcurrent protection for high-voltage applications.

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Cyth Systems | Whitepapers | All the details you need to know to create a system for testing circuit boards | Components of Automated Testing System for PCBA Components of Automated Testing System for PCBA Board holding Test fixtures are used to securely hold the PCBs during the testing process. These fixtures ensure proper alignment and contact between the PCB and the testing equipment. Test fixtures can be custom-designed to accommodate different board sizes and configurations, allowing for efficient testing of various PCB designs. Interposer Board Instrumentation Printed Circuit Board Test Equipment Test equipment includes a wide range of tools and instruments used to perform different types of tests on PCBs. This may include oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, and power supplies. The choice of test equipment depends on the specific requirements of your testing process and the types of tests you need to perform. Printed Circuit Board Test Software Software plays a critical role in automated testing systems. It allows you to program and control the testing process, configure test sequences and parameters, and analyze test results. The software also provides traceability and documentation of test results, enabling manufacturers to track and analyze data for quality control purposes. PCB Testing Equipment Communication Interface The communication interface allows the automated testing system to interact with other systems and devices, such as production control systems or data collection systems. This interface enables seamless integration of the testing process with other stages of the manufacturing process, ensuring efficient workflow and data exchange. PCBA Test Data Management System & Reports A data management system is used to store, organize, and analyze test data. This system allows manufacturers to track and analyze data for quality control purposes, identify trends or patterns, and make informed decisions based on the test results. The data management system also provides traceability and documentation of test results, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and customer expectations. By understanding the components of an automated testing system for PCBA, you can make informed decisions when selecting the right equipment and software for your testing process. It is essential to choose a system that meets your specific requirements, offers flexibility and scalability, and integrates seamlessly with your existing manufacturing process.

Project Case Study PXI Instrumentation for Partial Discharge Monitoring of Hydro Generators Mar 30, 2025 f2389d11-7df8-436c-a81a-105bca11b9ee f2389d11-7df8-436c-a81a-105bca11b9ee Home > Case Studies > Using PXI hardware for a monitoring & analysis system of hydroelectric power plant generators. The Challenge Cepel needed to implement an online partial discharge (PD) monitoring and analysis system for hydroelectric power plant generators to aid the predictive diagnosis of stator electric insulation. The Solution Cepel developed a modular instrumentation system (IMA-DP) for online monitoring of PD in hydro generators using PXI hardware instrumentation from NI and signal processing algorithms implemented with LabVIEW. The company has adopted the system as an effective predictive maintenance tool. Introduction The Brazilian Electric Energy Research Center (Cepel), considered the largest electric energy research center in the Southern Hemisphere, has engaged in research and development for more than 40 years. Our efforts are focused on generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power. The Department of Transmission Lines and Electrical Equipment supports the maintenance engineering teams of various companies, trains professionals, and develops new technologies for predictive diagnosis and equipment prognosis. Generators are prominent among other electrical system equipment and continuous monitoring is recommended. In the 1990s, we began developing the Asset Oriented Monitoring System (SOMA) for online monitoring of mechanical, thermal, and operational parameters in rotary machines. We adopted the PXI platform due to the ruggedness, flexibility, and modularity requirements of the DAQ hardware. However, to keep up with other state-of-the-art equipment, there was still a demand for monitoring the stator insulation of generators. Left: PXI used to measure Partial Discharge or hydroelectric generators. Center: LabVIEW User Interface, Right: Measured Signals Electrical insulation has always been the weak spot of any high-voltage equipment. In addition to failures in maintenance and possible contingent events, the equipment’s own normal duty cycle causes insulation materials subject to vibration and thermal cycling to age and lose their dielectric properties. It is therefore necessary to assess the health of the insulation in such equipment with a view to the continuity of power supply and to the reduction of failures. Partial discharge (PD) monitoring is an effective way to assess insulation integrity in high-voltage electrical equipment. In relation to other techniques traditionally recommended for monitoring insulation in rotary machines, PD measurement presents the highest sensitivity, permits the localization of defects, and is the only technique that can monitor generators online. Theoretically, PD measurement could have detected the estimated 89 percent of failures that occurred in insulation. To meet the demand for online monitoring of stator insulation in rotary machines, we needed to implement an effective online PD monitoring system that was also compatible with the previously adopted generator monitoring hardware platform using the PXI instrumentation standard and taking advantage of its flexibility and modularity. Measurement Features PDs are localized dielectric breakdowns of a small portion of a solid or fluid electrical insulation system under high voltage stress, which does not bridge the space between two conductors. They occur in regions of gaseous insertions that represent imperfections in the dielectric (Figure 1). A PD can indicate defects that may evolve into insulation failures with serious consequences. PD signals are pulses with frequency components that can reach hundreds of MHz, stochastic by nature, with variable amplitude, and heavily immersed in noise (Figure 2). The acquired pulses must have amplitudes recorded and be correlated with the phase of the voltage cycle. The products of the measurement are two-dimensional histograms, in which the repetition rate of the pulses is grouped as a function of their amplitudes and the phase angle (Figure 3). Block Diagram of a Digital PD Measurement System IMA-DP Digital PD measurement systems comprise digital signal processing (DSP) units implemented in an FPGA and in conventional processors, with some additional signal conditioning circuits and A/D converters (Figure 4) We developed the PD Analysis and Instrumentation System (IMA-DP) to measure the PD in the HF band (<30 MHz) according to the technical standards IEC 60034-27 and IEEE Standard 1434-2014. We could develop the system proposed here due to the availability of suitable modular hardware components in NI’s PXI platform. The key to development was selecting the NI PXIe-5122 digitizer that features a 20 V dynamic range, 14-bit resolution, 100 MHz sampling rate, and 40 MHz of bandwidth. The module also includes circuits for impedance matching, selectable anti-aliasing analog filters, amplifiers, and attenuators. We added a PXIe-2593 NI Switch module (Figure 4a) to the input of the PXIe-5122 (Figure 4b-e), which can expand the system for sequential measurement of up to 16 channels, significantly reducing monitoring costs per channel. The PXIe-5122 digitizer sends the acquired raw data to the FPGA of the PXIe-7965R module (Figure 4f) for heavy processing in real time. Sending data uses the PXI Express bus over a peer-to-peer connection. Final processing and consolidation of results happens in the PXIe-8135 embedded controller (Figure 4g). Figure 5 shows the complete measurement path. Figure 6 shows the built hardware and process flow diagram. Original Authors: André Tomaz de Carvalho, Eletrobras Cepel Edited by Cyth Systems Talk to an Expert Cyth Engineer to learn more

Home PXI Platform Data Acquisition Products Download DAQ, Industrial PXI Download DAQ, PXI, Simultaneous DAQ, PXI, High Performance DAQ, PXI, Value DAQ, Desktop PCI DAQ, USB Download DAQ, USB, Multifunction DAQ, USB, High Speed DAQ, USB, mioDAQ Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Family Download Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Chassis Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Modules Real-Time & Embedded Download CompactRIO (cRIO) Family CompactRIO (cRIO) Chassis CompactRIO (cRIO) Modules Download Single-Board RIO Download sbRIO Main Boards sbRIO Mezzanine Boards sbRIO Accessories PXI Platform Download PXI Chassis PXI Controllers PXI Modules Download PXI Data Acquisition Download PXI, DAQ, Simultaneous PXI, DAQ, High Performance PXI, DAQ, Value PXI Oscilloscopes PXI Digital Multimeters Industrial Instrumentation Download Digital Multimeters (DMM's) Download DMM, PXI Oscilloscopes & Digitizers Download Oscilloscopes, USB Oscilloscopes, PXI Oscilloscopes, Desktop PCI Oscilloscope Accessories Digitizer, PXI, High Performance Digitizer, PXI, Simultaneous PXI Platform The PXI platform offers a modular, high-performance system for a wide range of testing, measurement, and control applications. PXI systems are highly customizable and scalable. PXI Chassis PXI chassis provide the structural framework for PXI systems, offering modular expansion and flexible configuration options. PXI Controllers PXI controllers serve as the brain of the PXI system, providing high-performance processing power for running real-time data acquisition and control applications. PXI Modules PXI modules are the functional units within a PXI system, offering a range of capabilities including data acquisition, signal generation, and measurement.

Project Case Study Elevated Temperature Test of Aerospace Fuel Control Systems Mar 27, 2024 67409028-adbb-43b0-b542-bfcfcbdfdbd5 67409028-adbb-43b0-b542-bfcfcbdfdbd5 Home > Case Studies > *As Featured on NI.com Original Authors: Chris Woodhams - Argenta Edited by Cyth Systems Aerospace Fuel Control Systems The Challenge Engineers commonly test fuel metering units (FMUs) and the associated electronic interface devices (EIDs) at ambient temperature, which is not representative of the elevated temperatures they would experience when attached to an aircraft engine. This can lead to units being returned for repair after an airline has identified a temperature-dependent fault. The Solution We used LabVIEW software and CompactDAQ hardware to boost the efficiency of elevated temperature test, making it part of the standard test procedure for FMUs. This significantly improved quality control and saved hundreds of thousands of pounds in repair costs. Introduction A fuel metering unit (FMU) has several electronic interface devices (EIDs) that control the quantity of fuel delivered to an aircraft engine’s combustion system to ensure optimum performance. Commonly, during FMU testing, the EIDs are only subjected to ambient temperature, however, when the unit is installed on wing, near the plane’s engines, the operating temperature is significantly higher. Ambient temperature test may not identify temperature-dependant faults in the EIDs, which inevitably increases the volume of deployed FMUs being returned to repair facilities. This is a major issue because when an airline detects a fault in situ on the wing, the repair can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds. Left: Example of an FMU, Right: Environmental Chamber for Elevated Temperature Test We used CompactDAQ features such as: Analogue Input—Acquiring FMU measurements related to the resistance, voltage, and temperature through the harness and thermcouples. Analogue Output—Delivering an AC voltage supply to power the FMU Digital Input—Detecting when the FMU’s harness has been correctly connected to the interface box RS232—Communicating with the oven to control and monitor temperature The test setup is simple. The operator places the FMU inside an oven on the assembly line and connects the relevant harness between the acquisition system and the FMU. We initiate the test by logging into the LabVIEW software, entering the unit details, and pressing START within the main user interface. During testing, the system performs a series of operations and checks that include: Updating the temperature set point of the oven through the RS232 communications to ensure that the temperature correlates to a predefined temperature ramp Logging alarms relative to changes in analog inputs and temperature Ensuring that the system is shut down safely, if the test time exceeds three hours Updating graphs to visualize live test data on the user interface Streaming data to a technical data management (TDM) file for post-analysis LabVIEW was the perfect choice for this application as we could work in an agile manner and easily adjust the code to meet changes to the requirements. Additionally, the CompactDAQ platform not only gave us an easy solution to interface with the test software, but also met all the requirements for accuracy, reliability, and quantity of signals. High-Level System Diagram Direct Benefit to Our Client Our new test rig streamlined the elevated temperature test process, so our client could test all FMUs at elevated temperatures before they ship to airlines. As a result, our client boosted quality control, preventing potentially erroneous products from being shipped. This simultaneously minimized repair costs and improved our client’s reputation with its customers. One senior engineer explained that if an airline or an operator detects a fault in situ, on the wing, the cost to fix the problem could be hundreds of thousands of pounds. This rig increases reliability, enhances our client’s reputation with its customers, and provides a service not offered by competitors. Conclusion We used the NI platform to develop an intuitive, robust, and accurate test solution that met all the client’s objectives. Some elements of the software required high levels of accuracy to ensure the reliability of the results obtained. This tester can be left unmanned due to the built-in safety systems, so operators can perform other tasks in parallel to system testing. Finally, thanks to the flexibility of LabVIEW, we have been able to quickly modify the system to test several other aerospace technologies with minimal changes to the code. Original Authors: Chris Woodhams - Argenta Edited by Cyth Systems Talk to an Expert Cyth Engineer to learn more

SystemLink equips enterprises to utilize test & measurement data for removing operational inefficiencies & uncovering actionable insights to improve performance NI SYSTEMLINK NI Authorized Distributor and System Integration Partner Home > Products > What is SystemLink Software? Connecting People, Process, and Technology SystemLink is an intelligent Systems and Data Management environment that breaks down silos in your organization—from concept to manufacturing. Designed for engineering use cases, SystemLink software combines focused applications and data services that accelerate time-to-knowledge and time-to-market by leveraging comprehensive real-time information. From engineering teams to enterprises, SystemLink software helps you achieve peak performance. Acquire data. Aspire for knowledge. Choose SystemLink Software. SystemLink Software by Product SystemLink software products deliver superior situational awareness, test and measurement data analysis, and intelligent automation. With a modular and integrated architecture, choose the products that address your team’s specific needs. SystemLink Software by Workflow SystemLink software workflows empower your engineering and manufacturing groups to accelerate the NPI process and shorten the time-to-ramp to production. With better information management, efficient root-cause analysis, standardization of processes under test, automation of repeatable and time-consuming tasks, and improved yield, manufacturers gain a competitive edge. Increase your business performance across all test processes, systems, and locations with SystemLink software. SystemLink Software by Workflow From functional test in electronics manufacturing to digital transformation in aerospace and defense, SystemLink software delivers solutions to meet your unique needs. Explore SystemLink in these areas: -Aerospace and Defense Digital Transformation -Automotive Data Management and Analysis -Electronic Functional Test

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Cyth Systems | Whitepapers | A Technical Decision Framework | Technology Platform Selection Guide for High-Complexity Products Technology Platform Selection Guide for High-Complexity Products Even the most experienced hardware engineers have moments of doubt when staring at a project schedule and countless datasheets, wondering, "How do I know I'm making the right choice?" While selecting technology based solely on specifications seems systematic, how can you truly ensure the platform you build your solution on will deliver long-term success for your finished product and prove its value to stakeholders? The early decisions you make on underlying technology platforms and system architecture can determine whether you achieve your objectives. Certain goals may be clear from the beginning, such as functional performance metrics and launch schedule, while others, such as user-requested features and the long-term technical maintenance burden, may be unknown at project kickoff, but no less impactful. So why not approach these critical decisions with a proven framework that transforms uncertainty into confidence and mitigates risk, even for some of the unknowns? The challenge isn't just technical, it's strategic. Engineering teams today face an overwhelming array of processing architectures, form factors, and software stack design decisions, all while navigating the core trade-offs between system performance, budget, and development speed. Without the right criteria for choosing a technology stack to build their solution on, many fail to attain their market objectives. For example, many face the common pitfall of prematurely optimizing unit costs, which can significantly delay launch schedule, market uptake, and time-to-profit. Nothing is more expensive than failing to get to market at all. Below are a few examples of applications with high-complexity requirements where platform selection is non-trivial. Infrastructure monitoring systems (extreme environments, long lifecycle, remote deployment, total cost of ownership) High-speed automation processes (microsecond-level determinism, real-time performance, industrial networks) Healthcare edge devices (compliance requirements, security architecture) Equipment protection systems (fail-safe operation, environmental hardening) Industrial IoT AI inference systems (edge processing, model lifecycle management) This comprehensive white paper series aims to provide engineering teams with a structured methodology for evaluating product development platforms across a wide range of application spaces. We'll guide you beyond surface-level specifications to the considerations and factors that determine success from initial research through long-term product sustainment. Our selection framework for high complexity, medium volume product deployments addresses eight critical evaluation dimensions that separate successful deployments from costly mistakes: Signal Integration & I/O Mix Processing & Compute Software Toolchain Deployment Environment Cost Models Security Architecture AI Integration Signal Integration & I/O Mix Why it’s important: Limited I/O options can become expensive problems quickly. Products today are differentiated through their ability to integrate diverse signals, sensors, actuators, and protocols seamlessly. A platform lacking in native I/O diversity can force costly workarounds onto your team: additional hardware, increased complexity, and unforeseen sustainment costs can compound over a product’s lifecycle. Comprehensive I/O integration is more than convenient; it can prevent development bottlenecks and keep overall system costs down. Lessons Learned: Comprehensive, native I/O integration is key to designing your system for sustainability. The flexibility to adapt to ongoing product feedback and unknown future product requirements can help shorten project timelines and mitigate long-term sustainment costs. We recommend evaluating I/O capabilities using the following criteria: High-quality, calibrated measurement and stimulus: The accuracy and precision of high quality, calibrated I/O ensure that the analog and digital interfaces in your system are meeting your application requirements reliably. Measurement uncertainty can compound through an entire system; uncalibrated I/O can wreak havoc upon the most sophisticated algorithms and control strategies. Expansion and scalability: A system’s ability to accommodate additional I/O channels and signal types, without requiring architectural changes or separate hardware platforms, helps mitigate sustainment risks and facilitates releases throughout CI/CD processes. System requirements nearly always expand over time through customer requests and continuous improvement efforts, making flexible, modular I/O necessary for maintaining development momentum and avoiding costly redesigns. Future-proofed protocol support: A system’s native ability to interface with industrial networks, and emerging IoT standards without requiring external gateways or protocol converters can facilitate seamless integration with existing infrastructure and help futureproof a system against evolving communication standards and requirements. Figure 1. Comprehensive system I/O coverage builds in flexibility to adapt to future product requirements. Implementation Considerations & Guidance Audit your complete signal ecosystem upfront: catalog every sensor, actuator, and communication protocol you need today and anticipate for future releases to avoid architectural surprises Prioritize factory calibrated, modular I/O platforms: measurement errors compound through your system, and requirements always expand; choose platforms that maintain accuracy while adding channels without redesigns Select platforms with native protocol support : map your industrial networks and IoT requirements early; native communication protocol support eliminates costly gateways and future integration headaches Processing & Compute Why it's important: High-performance embedded systems demand precise timing you can rely on. Advanced control algorithms, safety-critical control loops and industry-specific compliance can require real time performance. Desktop operating systems and general purposes microcontroller units (MCUs) cannot guarantee critical response times for protection systems and high-speed automation. Lessons Learned: Critical, time sensitive processes necessitate a solution capable of reliable, sub-millisecond response times to avoid safety issues, damage to assets, liability and incomplete or inaccurate data sets. We recommend evaluating real-time computation capabilities using the following criteria: Compute architecture: Safety-critical and equipment monitoring applications require an underlying system design that enables deterministic, predictable execution of time-critical tasks without interference from non-critical processes. Without a hardware and software solution that can ensure minimal timing jitter in the system, it’s possible that equipment damage or other hazardous conditions could arise. Performance & loop rates: A system’s ability to execute control algorithms and data processing tasks at required frequencies is critical to system integrity. If loop rates were to fall below the tolerances of the controlled system, control system stability and performance can rapidly degrade. Memory management: The response time of a real-time system is dependent on the rate at which critical tasks can access the data they need. Memory access latencies and cache misses can introduce timing jitter issues that would violate the system's real-time constraints and compromise overall system safety. Figure 2. Systems built on a aplatform with native CPU and FPGA integration can reliably enable deterministic data acquisition and processing alongside the execution of non-critical tasks. Implementation Considerations & Guidance Define your critical timing requirements precisely: identify which control loops, safety functions, and monitoring tasks require microsecond determinism versus those that can tolerate standard OS scheduling Choose a compute architecture based on timing criticality: Refer to Table 1 for a comparison of GPUs, microcontrollers, CPUs, and FPGAs Choose a dedicated real-time compute architecture: safety-critical applications need hardware-software solutions that guarantee deterministic execution without interference from non-critical processes Validate performance under worst-case conditions: test your required loop rates and response times with full system loading, not just isolated benchmark conditions Design memory architectures for predictable access: minimize cache misses and memory latencies for time-critical tasks; deterministic memory access is essential for maintaining real-time constraints Processing & Compute Technology Description Common Applications Deterministic Timing GPUs Parallel processing Optimized for thousands of simultaneous calculations Image processing Scientific simulations High-performance computing Low Microcontrollers Integrated single-chip computers with processors, memory and I/O Designed for dedicated control tasks Consumer electronics Sensor interfaces Battery-powered devices Medium CPUs General Purpose processors Sequential task execution Data acquisition systems Human-machine interfaces Medium (with real-time operating system) FPGAs Reconfigurable haradware device with programmable logic gates Custom circuitry through software implementation High-speed signal processing High-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop test Custom I/O protocols High Software Toolchain Why it's important: Software can be your team’s greatest differentiator, or it can completely derail your development timelines. High-complexity systems require customization across the entire software stack, but fragmented toolchains and siloed development environments can result in debugging, integration, and iteration becoming costly ordeals. The software toolchain chosen can determine the balance between the flexibility to customize and the overhead to integrate. These tradeoffs must be considered during toolchain selection as architectural decisions quickly propagate throughout development and could make it impossible to pivot mid-project. Lessons Learned: Software can be your team's greatest differentiator or it can completely derail your development timelines. High-complexity systems require customization across the entire software stack, but fragmented toolchains and siloed development environments can result in debugging, integration, and iteration becoming costly ordeals. The software toolchain chosen can determine the balance between the flexibility to customize and the overhead to integrate. These tradeoffs must be considered during toolchain selection as architectural decisions quickly propagate throughout development and could make it impossible to pivot mid-project. We recommend evaluating software design and toolchain choice using the following criteria: Development Speed and Flexibility: Toolchain selection and software stack architecture determine how flexible your product will be to adapt to evolving and future requirements. Familiarity with software can support a rapid implementation of IP and the learning curve of an un familiar software stack can be mitigated through extensive documentation and an intuitive user experience out-of-the-box. Open source vs. custom IP: Any software developer must balance the use of proven, open-source code to accelerate their overall development time and the generation of new, proprietary intellectual property (IP) that will most greatly impact their product’s differentiation. Abstraction layers: Abstraction layers provide standardized interfaces that isolate application logic from underlying hardware and system dependencies, which is vital for maintaining code portability, enabling future hardware upgrades, and reducing the risk of vendor lock-in across long product lifecycles. Build and deployment tools: These tools are the automated systems for compiling, testing, packaging and distributing software across development, testing, and production environments. They are essential for maintaining code quality, mitigating deployment errors and enabling rapid iteration cycles that can keep pace with customer feedback. Figure 3. Select a cohesive software stack that abstracts away the low-level functionality so developers can focus on the value-adding features that differentiate a product. Implementation Considerations & Guidance Assess toolchain selection and software stack architecture early on: select development tools and a software stack that minimize integration challenges cross engineering teams Balance proven libraries with competitive differentiation: leverage native libraries and hardware abstraction layers to implement background processes and common functionality. Doing so enables you to free up your development resources to focus on implementing your unique IP. This approach accelerates your product’s time-to-market while creating a more maintainable codebase that sustains your competitive advantage throughout the product lifecycle Implement automated build and deployment pipelines early: establish CI/CD workflows from project start to maintain code quality, reduce deployment errors, and enable rapid iteration with customer feedback Deployment Environment Why it's important: The deployment environment of your application is a design constraint that should inform hardware selection from day one. Harsh conditions require component derating, conformal coating, specialized enclosures, thermal management, rigorous field testing, and hazardous area classifications. It’s critical to consider the environmental realities of your application to avoid the need for costly redesigns that could compromise performance and delay your product’s time to market. Lessons Learned: The deployment environment of your application is a design constraint that should inform hardware selection from day one. Harsh conditions require component derating, conformal coating, specialized enclosures, thermal management, rigorous field testing, and hazardous area classifications. It’s critical to consider the environmental realities of your application to avoid the need for costly redesigns that could compromise performance and delay your product’s time to market. We recommend evaluating deployment environment capabilities using the following criteria: Ambient conditions: A system’s ability to operate reliably across the full range of environmental stressors are subject to the environment the system is deployed into. These environmental factors, like temperature, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic interference are typically the leading causes of field failures. Systems that cannot withstand their deployment conditions will require frequent maintenance interventions, which will ultimately negate any operational benefits gained through the implementation of the system. Thermal management: The ability of a system to dissipate heat generated by its processing and I/O components will determine its ability to maintain safe operating temperatures across varying ambient conditions and computational loads. Thermal stress accelerates component aging and can cause intermittent failures that could be costly to diagnose and repair when deployed in remote locations. Operating ranges and environmental derating are important to mitigate system stress and safety issues, prevent premature failure and extend asset lifespan. Physical and networked connectivity: All connection points, including I/O terminals, communication ports, and network interfaces must operate reliably despite environmental factors. The robustness of these connections is vital to system operation and are a very common failure point for systems deployed in the field. Hazardous area classifications: Systems deployed into environments with explosive atmospheres or flammable materials require hazardous area certifications (e.g. ATEX, IECEx, NEC Class/Division ratings). This regulatory requirement fundamentally impacts hardware selection, enclosure design and system architecture. Obtaining certifications for custom hardware can add substantial time and cost to product development projects, making platforms with existing approvals valuable for accelerating market entry. Figure 4. The deployment environment of a system greatly influences rating and certification requirements; it is crucial to consider ambient conditions early in a technology selection process. Implementation Considerations & Guidance Characterize your full environmental envelope: measure actual temperature ranges, vibration levels, EMI sources, and contamination in your deployment location, as laboratory specs rarely match field conditions. One common way to manage this is to build sensors into products that can self-calibrate in the field. For example, a temperature readback sensor signals the device to activate a fan for cooling purposes once the operating temperature threshold has been surpassed. Design thermal management for worst-case scenarios: ensure your system can dissipate heat at maximum computational load combined with highest ambient temperatures; thermal stress is a primary cause of field failures Harden all connection points from day one: specify industrial-grade I/O terminals, sealed communication ports, and robust network interfaces; connection failures are among the most common and costly field issues Plan for maintenance accessibility: consider how environmental factors affect your ability to service, diagnose, and replace components during the system's operational lifetime Cost Models Why it's important: In low-to-medium volume production, optimizing unit costs alone and ignoring development speed, flexibility and time-to-market can result in delayed project timelines or worse, missed market windows. Custom hardware design typically results in extensive bring-up phases and a costly ongoing support burden, erasing any marginal unit cost savings and limiting engineering bandwidth to focus on high-ROI tasks. Lessons Learned: Stop optimizing the wrong number. Custom designs trade marginal savings for launch delays and a perpetual support burden that can erode profitability and competitive advantage. To ensure long-term profitability, total cost of ownership is a much more important consideration than the unit costs of a BOM. Refer to Figure 5. for a visual depiction of the costs and timelines associated with a typical COTS (“Buy”) vs. Custom (“Build”) development cycle. We recommend evaluating cost models using the following criteria: Off-the-shelf vs. custom: Deciding whether to develop custom hardware and software solutions, down to circuit board and low-level software design, internally or leveraging existing commercial platforms with proven capabilities can impact development costs exponentially. Custom development often appears cost-effective at small scales but introduces the risks of extended development timelines and untenable maintenance and sustainment burdens. Hardware unit cost: When a product team focuses solely on the per-device expense for processing, I/O, and connectivity components at projected production volumes they inherently introduce risk into overall project costs and profitability. Unit costs directly impact product margins and competitiveness in the market, but it must be evaluated alongside development and integration costs to understand true cost of getting a product to market and sustaining it long-term. Non-recurring engineering (NRE) and development costs: All the upfront investments in hardware design, software development, testing and certification required to bring a product to market must be amortized across the total production volume. Underestimating development complexity can turn the most seemingly profitable projects into massive financial headaches. Figure 5. Long-term profitability is maximized when the total cost of owership of a technology platform is thoroughly assessed, from evaluation through sustainment. Implementation Considerations & Guidance Calculate true development ROI across your volume projections: custom solutions may seem cheaper per unit but factor in extended development timelines, testing costs, and ongoing maintenance burdens against proven commercial platforms Model total cost of ownership (TCO): Explore costs beyond hardware unit cost. TCO encompasses all expenses throughout a product’s lifecycle, including non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs, field service expenses, software updates, certification requirements, and end-of-life management. Project the lifetime expenses of a technology stack from initial development to sustainment over the product’s operational life to determine the total cost of ownership. Establish realistic volume assumptions early: accurately project your deployment scale to properly amortize development investments; overestimating volumes can make custom development appear falsely attractive Plan for hidden integration and sustainment costs: budget for ongoing technical support, security updates, hardware obsolescence management, and field service requirements that often exceed initial hardware expenses Security Architecture Why it's important: Every connected edge device is a potential doorway into critical systems. As edge computing spreads across industrial and infrastructural environments, these devices are increasingly becoming prime targets for cybercriminals hoping to explore vulnerable entry points to operational networks, sensitive data, and control systems. Without robust security architecture built into your platform from the start, functionality could be deployed alongside vulnerabilities and attack vectors at scale. Lessons Learned: Security architecture can be difficult, if not impossible, to retrofit once an incompatible technology platform has been selected. Preventing the deployment of vulnerable edge device requires proven security features at every level of the technology stack. It's the foundation that determines whether your edge deployment becomes a liability or a strategic asset. We recommend evaluating security and compliance capabilities using the following criteria: System security: The hardware and software security features that influence the device integrity, data confidentiality, and operational availability of your product against external threats. Edge devices are often the most vulnerable to remote attacks and physical tampering due to their deployment in isolated locations that can be difficult to surveil. A compromised edge device can expose sensitive data or compromise the network infrastructure it is a part of. Security package integration: The ability of a platform to natively incorporate industry-standard security frameworks, encryption libraries, and authentication protocols directly impacts development efforts and timelines. Security implementation is complex and prone to errors. Organizations without deep cybersecurity implementation expertise need platforms with proven security capabilities out-of-the-box to protect their assets and ensure network security. Compliance: The platform’s ability to meet regulatory requirements and industry standards for cybersecurity, data protection, and operational security across markets and applications are vital to widespread product adoption and customer confidence. Non-compliance can result in regulatory fines, customer rejection, and liability exposure. Implementation Considerations & Guidance: Assess your full attack surface from device to cloud: map all connection points, data flows, and access vectors; edge devices in remote locations are particularly vulnerable to both cyber-attacks and physical tampering Choose platforms with proven security frameworks built-in: leverage native encryption, authentication, and security protocols rather than developing custom solutions; security implementation is complex and error-prone Identify compliance requirements early in design: determine which regulatory standards (NIST, IEC 62443, etc.) apply to your markets and ensure your platform can meet these requirements without extensive customization Plan for security lifecycle management: establish processes for security updates, certificate management, and vulnerability response across your deployed device fleet's operational lifetime Industry System Security Security Package Integration Compliance Aerospace & Defense Hardware security modules, anti-tamper mechanisms, secure processors Software encryption, secure key management for classified data Anti-tamper mechanisms Encryption algorithms, certified security packages, authentication protocols STIG security configuration integration NIST 800-171 and DFARS cybersecurity req. ITAR compliance for export control DO-178C and DO-326A for airborne systems DB Client access requirements Medical Device & Biotechnology Hardware-based encryption and secure boot options Tamper detection for device integrity User access requirements FIPS 140-2 encryption libraries MFA, PKI and certificate management support Decentralized and edge authentication FDA 21 CFR Part 820 and ISO 13485 ISO 14971 and HIPAA compliance IEC 62304 for medical device software EU MDR Certification Oil & Gas Field Deployments Secure edge device connection to satellite/cellular communications Physical tampering protection for unmanned facilities Industrial protocol integration (OPC UA Encrypted SCADA communications Remote monitoring framework support Industrial VPN , secure tunneling protocols NERC CIP for critical infrastructure API standards for petroleum industry Regional environmental and safety regulations Export control compliance for international deployments Manufacturing Network segmentation capabilities Secure OT/IT communication on internal network Production system security isolation Industrial Ethernet security integration IEC 62443 security framework support Manufacturing execution system (MES) authentication Native OPC UA security implementation IEC 62443 industrial cybersecurity standards ISO 27001 information security management Sector-specific requirements (automotive ISO 26262) Pharmaceutical 21 CFR Part 11 when applicable Table 2. Security considerations are industry-specific and highly dependent on the type of application being deployed. An exhaustive assessment of attack vectors and security requirements are essential to mitigate system vulnerabilities. Note: security is always a growing and evolving consideration AI Integration Why it's important: Reliance on the cloud for critical systems introduces a failure mode to any application; mission critical functionality cannot depend on the cloud for processing and decision-making. AI inference at the edge enables real-time applications in settings where connectivity is intermittent or impossible. Local AI processing with millisecond-level responsiveness is essential for data breakthroughs at the edge. Lessons Learned: Cloud dependency is not an option for mission critical AI processing at the edge . AI inference with millisecond-levels of response time requires a local processing solution that can enable data breakthroughs as a standalone system. We recommend evaluating AI and machine learning capabilities using the following criteria: Inference at the edge: A platform’s ability to execute trained AI models locally on an edge device enables your most dynamic IP to perform mission critical tasks reliably. Cloud-dependent AI systems introduce latency and reliability risks into real-time control and safety applications, whereas local inference at-the-edge enables your system to respond immediately to changing conditions without sacrificing real-time performance. Model training: The ability to update and refine AI models using local data are foundational aspects of an edge device’s performance. AI models must adapt to changing operational conditions, equipment variations and evolving requirements that your team cannot anticipate during development. A suitable edge device must be capable of supporting on-device training or seamless integration with model training workflows. Data flow & validation: Any edge device running AI inference must reliably and efficiently manage the movement, preprocessing, and quality assurance of the data sets used. AI model performance is dependent on data quality and consistency and therefore must handle data validation, anomaly detection, and selective data transmission without overwhelming network resources or compromising sensitive information. Figure 6. Millisecond-level response times enable two critical capabilities: real-time AI inference at the edge and efficient model refinement through local processing of large datasets. Implementation Considerations & Guidance: Validate inference performance under real operational conditions: test your AI models on actual edge hardware with realistic data loads, environmental conditions, and concurrent system tasks to ensure reliable real-time performance Design for model lifecycle management: establish workflows for updating, retraining, and validating AI models using field data while maintaining system safety and performance during updates Implement robust data preprocessing and validation pipelines: ensure your edge platform can handle data quality assurance, anomaly detection, and selective transmission without overwhelming network resources or exposing sensitive information Plan compute resources for AI workload scaling: size your processing capabilities for peak inference demands while considering future model complexity growth and additional AI applications over the product lifecycle Discuss your High-Complexity Product Needs with an Expert

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Project Case Study Specialized Bicycles & the Science of Cycling Speed Using Data Acquisition Mar 26, 2024 c0cb864f-4403-4138-95b1-94e3482f408b c0cb864f-4403-4138-95b1-94e3482f408b Home > Case Studies > *As Featured on NI.com Original Authors: Chris Yu, Specialized Bicycle Components Edited by Cyth Systems Specialized Biycle Components uses NI LabVIEW software for Data Acquisition in a wind tunnel. The Challenge In a sport where seconds often separate winning from losing, it’s critical to understand and optimize each factor affecting a cyclist’s body and bike while riding. One of the biggest challenges cyclists face is drag caused by wind. To minimize drag by creating better cycling products and understanding how riders can better position themselves on their bikes, Specialized needed an accurate way to measure and test the effects of drag on cyclists as they ride in a real-world environment. The Solution Instead of relying on data collected in third-party wind tunnels designed for the aerospace and automotive industries, not for cyclists, Specialized became the world’s first bike and equipment manufacturer to build a sport-specific wind tunnel located at its Morgan Hill, California facility. Left: Cyclists in the Specialized Bicycle Components wind tunnel. Right: Engineers performing remote monitoring and analysis using multiple camera views. In a sport in which seconds often separate winning from losing, it is critical to understand and optimize each factor that affects a cyclist’s body and bike while riding. Drag caused by wind presents one of the biggest challenges for cyclists. As they pick up speed while riding, their bodies, bikes, and equipment force a separation of air, resulting in a resistance called pressure drag. Since drag increases with speed, riders feel more resistance at higher speeds and must use more power to overcome the forces working against them. Cyclists use between 70 and 90 percent of the power they generate to overcome aerodynamic drag. Thus, minimizing drag through effective body positioning and aerodynamically refined equipment helps cyclists achieve maximum efficiency and speed. To minimize drag by creating better cycling products and understanding how riders can better position themselves on their bikes, Specialized Bicycle Components (Specialized) needed an accurate way to measure and test the effects of drag on cyclists riding in a real-world environment. Specialized built a wind tunnel to bring all aspects of the aerodynamics testing process to its Morgan Hill, California, facility. Specialized now conducts a continuous loop of development and testing for all of its bikes and equipment and supports its team of professional cyclists by evaluating and optimizing their riding positions. The bike and rider are almost never steady in real-world conditions and constantly interact with each other. Testing bikes in this realistic, dynamic way, as opposed to the traditional tests with the bike rigidly bolted to the tunnel, will uncover new information that would not have surfaced otherwise. Left: View of Specialized Wind Tunnel Data Acquisition. Right: NI PXIe Hardware is used as a flexible test platform for Specialized's Wind Tunnel. The Technology Specialized used LabVIEW system design software, PXI hardware, NI Vision Development Module software, and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components to develop a custom measurement and control system. With LabVIEW, Specialized can interface with the sensors placed on a bike and cyclist in the wind tunnel while engineers perform remote monitoring using the Data Dashboard for LabVIEW. Additionally, the COTS cameras capture real-time visual data, which easily integrates into the system using the Vision Development Module. The flexibility of the NI PXI chassis helps Specialized create additional tests using new sensors and controllers with relatively quick turnaround times. This is especially important since test needs are changed and updated regularly—for example, performing R&D testing on equipment versus performance testing with professional athletes. With the NI PXI chassis, users can swap in the right hardware effortlessly. Specialized developed the entire measurement and control system in just a few months while seamlessly integrating each element of the system, which optimized time to market and is the biggest advantage of the system design approach. LabVIEW provided a single software framework to meet the unique requirements of performing control, measurement, and vision acquisition. The consolidation to a single software solution, tightly integrated with reconfigurable hardware, also simplifies the maintenance and supportability of the system. Original Authors: Chris Yu, Specialized Bicycle Components Edited by Cyth Systems Talk to an Expert Cyth Engineer to learn more

Project Case Study E-Bike Battery Testing and Validation Using BatteryFlex Jul 29, 2025 8f1578be-a8d3-4d11-a2bf-0a0e68325379 8f1578be-a8d3-4d11-a2bf-0a0e68325379 Home > Case Studies > E-Bike Battery Testing and Validation is performed using the BatteryFlex platform. Battery Testing Project Summary A Southern California E-Bike (Electronic Bike) manufacturer approached us regarding a system to test and validate their E-Bike battery pack assembly. The team felt it was crucially important to do a variety of tests, including deep discharge and repeat full-power charge cycling, at least in the early days of manufacturing. Battery Test Solution & Results Using our BatteryFlex propriety testing software and PXI data acquisition platforms, we custom-designed a fixture meeting our client’s needs and product specifications for improved quality assurance of their E-Bike batteries. This has improved our client’s warranty return rate by 12%. Industry Consumer Electronics, Manufacturing Technology at-a-glance Cyth Systems' BatteryFlex 4-Quadrant SMU (±60V, ±3A, 100fA Meas) 7.5 Digital Multimeter (±3A, 1.8MS/s) Thermocouple or RTD Measurement Custom Serial Communication Battery Testing Project Background The explosion of E-Bikes in the last few years has enabled people to go the extra mile. With assisted pedaling to full assisted riding, e-bikes combine the benefits of being active with a rechargeable battery that maintains integrity over thousands of charges. A Southern California E-Bike manufacturer approached us regarding a system to test and validate their E-Bike batteries. Their undesirable level of battery malfunctions and warranty returns prompted them to seek a solution for the testing of their E-Bike batteries. Left: PXI data acquisition platform. Right: BatteryFlex LabVIEW user interface (UI) showing live test data Upon customizing our BatteryFlex platform to our customer’s needs, we began to run overnight tests of 8+ E-Bike batteries. They are simultaneously loaded into the BatteryFlex fixture and with detailed test reports generated by morning. We performed the following tests for a pass or fail test according to the customer’s specifications: Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) Power Cycle Test Capacity (Static, Script, Pattern/Pulse) DC Internal Resistance (DCIR) AC Internal Resistance (ACIR) A pass validated the battery’s function for integration into the final product whereas a failure prevented a faulty battery from reaching the customer. Using the BatteryFlex platform increased the accuracy of the client’s voltage and current measurement of their outsourced Lithium-Ion batteries. BatteryFlex Features High-Resolution, High-Speed Measurements PXI Platform Playback and Record Load Cell Scenarios Data Logging, Analysis, and Storage Output to any format report or datasheet Thermal Monitoring and Measuring Safety Interlocks and Shutdown Customized Battery Test without the risk Our BatteryFlex platform allows for the accurate test and measurement of our customer’s outsourced E-Bike batteries ensuring a faster speed-of-test and improved quality assurance. Our automated fixture identifies the individual capacity of each battery cell undergoing simultaneous testing to determine if they are a pass or fail according to the customer’s specifications. We have improved our customer’s E-Bike battery warranty return rate in active partnership by 12%. We also provided a proof of concept developed into a complete test fixture deployed at our customer’s headquarters within a 10-week timeline. Datasheet and Battery Flex Overview BatteryFlex System Specifications BatteryFlex BatteryFlex Datasheet for Download Battery Flex - Cyth Systems .pdf Download PDF • 1.49MB Talk to an Expert Cyth Engineer to learn more

As electronic devices become more complex, the importance of testing each PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) for functionality and performance is paramount. < Back The Benefits of Automated PCBA Testing in Modern Manufacturing Automated Printed Circuit Board Testing Previous Next

Technical Field Sales Engineer  | Technical Field Sales Engineer  January 1st, 2026 Jobs Cyth Systems, Inc. Technical Field Sales Engineer 9939 Via Pasar, San Diego, CA, USA Job Summary Cyth Systems is looking for a Field Sales Engineer to visit with new and existing customers, understand their technology goals, and research a solution with our own engineering team, to help customers decide on a solution to their requirements. Job Description Cyth Systems is looking for a Field Sales Engineer to visit with customers, understand their technology goals, research a solution with our own engineering team, to help customers decide how to proceed on their project. Cyth Systems is an Engineering Integration Company specializing in Automated Test Equipment (ATE), Embedded Control Systems, and Machine Vision Systems for over 20 years. We enjoy working with exciting customers both small and large, from nearly every industry, doing interesting and engaging engineering projects week after week. We combine a small business family feeling with a world-class engineering team, and customers appreciate both the personal and professional treatment we bring to their projects. We believe this makes Cyth a great place to build a satisfying and long-lasting career where we get to follow our natural interests and passions every day. In this role, you represent the tip of the spear of several respected industry brands with highly differentiated products and engineering services. You will grow your business acumen and strategic sales capabilities while consulting with engineers and their leadership to make major design and equipment investments. What is especially unique about this position is working in several industries such as Life Sciences, Semiconductor, Product Manufacturing, Sporting Goods, Aerospace, Energy and more! A typical week might include visiting 6 customers in the local area, meeting with our engineering team to review customer needs, creating a proposal to show customers solutions and options for their project, and discussing the decision with the customer and their management. As you establish trust for yourself and our brands, you become the preferred vendor for your customers for future projects and repeat orders, resulting in increased sales growth for the company. If you enjoy a collaborative environment where you can be a part of a team who build things and bring them to life, across a diverse range of industries and applications, come join our team at Cyth Systems! About Cyth Cyth Systems is an Engineering Integration Company specializing in Automated Test Equipment, Embedded Control Systems, and Machine Vision Systems. We enjoy working with our customers, both small and large, from nearly every market. We combine a world-class engineering team, and our customers appreciate both the personal and professional treatment we bring to their projects. You will grow your business acumen and strategic sales capabilities while consulting with engineers and their leadership to make major design and equipment investments. What is especially unique about this position is working in several industries such as Life Sciences, Semiconductor, Product Manufacturing, Sporting Goods, Aerospace, Energy and more. If you enjoy a collaborative environment where you can be a part of a team who build things and bring them to life, across a diverse range of industries and applications, come join our team at Cyth Systems! Qualifications This position requires skill and experience in the following areas: Experience working with and proposing engineering services and solutions. Experience selling in a long sales cycle with complex custom engineering for both hardware and software solutions. Knowledge of Test Automation and embedded control hardware and software Experience selling to engineering leadership, including Directors and VPs 3+ years’ experience in business-to-business high tech sales Excellent English communication (written and spoken) Responsibilities Planning and executing territory and account development initiatives to generate demand in identified areas of greatest opportunity. Technical consulting with customer engineers and managers to understand and address their technical and business requirements with the best Cyth and Partner products and services that meet their needs. Managing and closing sales opportunities through collaborations with Cyth and Partner resources. Networking and discovery within assigned accounts to engage with new groups, create and sustain valued relationships with customer leadership, and identify new qualified sales opportunities. Achieve annual quota and quarterly targets to achieve commission & bonus. Generate demand for products through effective top account plans and overall territory strategy. Effectively lead Cyth and Partner resources to close sales. Adapt and lead client presentations and product demonstrations. Learn the Cyth and Partner product and service offerings and relevant value propositions. Demonstrate account knowledge and ability to impact revenue by utilizing sales tracking systems and providing accurate forecasts. Other responsibilities Technical degree with a major in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or similar Sales: 3 years Technical sales: 1 year Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation Travel locally to visit customers. Ability to work in-office full-time in San Diego, CA Must be able to lift 5–10-pound objects, 5-10 times per day. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to commute/relocate: San Diego, CA 92126: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) Experience: Sales: 1 year (Required) Technical sales: 1 year (Required) Work Location: In person Job Type: Full-time Supplemental pay types: Commission pay Schedule: 8-hour shift Submit your resume today Name Phone Email Upload Resume Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit [attributer-channel] [attributer-channeldrilldown1] [attributer-channeldrilldown2] [attributer-landingpage] [attributer-landingpagegroup] [attributer-channeldrilldown3]